Child Benefit payment warning to parents ahead of important deadline this month
Parents of teenagers in Scotland have been urged to act now to ensure they do not miss out on Child Benefit payments that are potentially worth thousands of pounds each year. Advice Direct Scotland is reminding parents who have a child aged between 16 and 19 that the payments will stop at the end of this month, unless they take action.
The charity said families with two children in this age bracket could miss out on more than £2,250 per year in UK Government support if they ignore the deadline on August 31.
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 HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that they are extending their claim, which can be done quickly and easily online, or via the official HMRC app.
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.
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, which runs the free advice service taxadvice.scot, said any parents who are confused by the process can contact the service directly.
The charity is one of 12 voluntary and community organisations across the UK chosen by HMRC to provide tailored benefits and tax advice. It is the only organisation offering this service in Scotland.
As well as Child Benefit claims, the experts at taxadvice.scot can help with a wide range of issues, including tax credits, guidance on PAYE tax, and self-assessment.
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.'
Scottish Child Payment
Scottish Child Payment is a weekly payment of £27.15 for eligible families with children up to the age of 16 - the payment is worth £108.60 every month and is only available north of the border.
Combined with Child Benefit payments from HMRC, parents could be due up to £212.80 each month in additional support.
Child Benefit is a separate UK-wide payment, which is also issued every four weeks and amounts to £104.20 every payment period for the eldest or only child or £69.00 for every additional child.
Parents, carers and guardians can get more information about financial help on the dedicated Children and Family section on mygov.scot here or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.
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