Warning to Glasgow parents over child benefit payments
Advice Direct Scotland has reminded Scots parents who have a youngster aged between 16 and 19 that the payments will stop at the end of this month, unless they take urgent action.
The good cause said families with two children in this age bracket could miss out on more than £2500 per year if they ignore the looming August 31 deadline.
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After a child turns 16, the regular child benefit payments that are paid to their parents automatically stop, unless they are continuing in education or training.
To continue receiving the money, parents must tell HMRC that they are extending their claim.
Rebecca Fagan, benefit and welfare information officer at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'With children returning to school across Scotland this week, it is an exceptionally busy time for parents, but it is crucial that nobody misses out on this financial support.
'Child benefit is really important for many households, particularly at a time when budgets are being stretched by the cost of living and energy.
'Our message to parents is not to delay, but to act now. Extending your child benefit claim is easy, and it could put thousands of pounds in your pocket.
'Our free, impartial service at taxadvice.scot is here to help anyone who is confused about child benefit. People can visit taxadvice.scot or call 0800 756 3381 for support.'
Child benefit is worth £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, and £17.25 per week for each additional child, meaning that parents with two children aged between 16 and 19 could miss out on £2,251.60 per year if they fail to extend their claim.
An Advice Direct Scotland spokesperson added: "To qualify for continued child benefit after 16, teenagers must be in full-time approved education, which includes studying for Highers, A-levels, or similar qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate.
"It also covers NVQs, most vocational qualifications up to level 3, and pre-apprenticeships. A list is available on the gov.uk website.
"Approved training should be unpaid, and in Scotland includes the No One Left Behind programme."
Advice Direct Scotland said any parents who are confused by the process can contact the service directly.
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