Families across the UK are being warned by HMRC to take action within days or risk losing vital Child Benefit payments. Parents of 16 to 19-year-olds must confirm their child is staying in full-time education or approved training by Sunday 31 August, or their benefit will automatically stop.
More than 1.5 million households have been contacted by HMRC reminding them to update their claim, with over 509,000 already responding. For those who haven’t yet acted, the clock is ticking and missing the deadline could mean losing up to £1,355 a year for an eldest or only child.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, stressed the importance of acting quickly:
“Teenagers can be expensive and Child Benefit is an important source of income for your household. As soon as you know what your teen is doing in September, don’t miss out. You can extend your claim in minutes through the HMRC app or online to ensure your payments continue.”
What’s at stake for families
Child Benefit is paid weekly at:
- £26.05 for the eldest or only child (£1,354.60 a year)
- £17.25 for each additional child (£897 a year)
For many households, this support helps cover everyday costs like school supplies, travel, or food shopping. Failing to update HMRC means payments will stop automatically once a teenager finishes Year 11, unless parents confirm their next steps.
Who needs to act
The update applies to parents of 16 to 19-year-olds who will continue in:
- Full-time non-advanced education (such as A-levels, Highers, or equivalent)
- Approved unpaid training courses
HMRC has published a full list of recognised courses on GOV.UK.
The easiest way to update
Most parents are choosing digital routes, with 67% extending their claim online last year. Options include:
- Logging into the HMRC app
- Using the online service via GOV.UK
- Scanning the QR code included in HMRC’s reminder letters
These methods allow parents to secure their payments within minutes, avoiding postal delays.
Watch out for the High Income Child Benefit Charge
Parents with an income between £60,000 and £80,000 should carefully check before extending, as they may be affected by the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
HMRC provides an online calculator to help households estimate what they’ll receive after the charge. Some higher earners may choose to continue claiming but repay the charge through Self Assessment, while others may opt out entirely.
Why this reminder matters
Child Benefit is more than just an allowance it can also help parents qualify for National Insurance credits, protecting their future State Pension entitlement. Missing the deadline could mean losing both immediate financial support and long-term benefits.
Summary
Act now: protect your Child Benefit
Parents of 16-19 year-olds must confirm education or training by 31 August or risk losing up to £1,355 a year.
Child Benefit is a lifeline for many, and HMRC is urging families not to miss out. With quick online tools available, updating a claim takes just a few minutes but ensures continued payments into the new school year.
