HMRC says parents of teens could lose £1,350 Child Benefit if they don't act
HMRC has issued a warning to parents of teenagers as they could see their Child Benefit payments stop if they don't act soon.
Those claiming the benefit - and have a child aged 16 years who is continuing education or moving into approved training - will need to update their details to extend their claim before August 31.
Claimed by 7.62million households in the UK, Child Benefit is currently worth £26.05 per week - or £1,354.60 a year - for the eldest or only child and £17.25 per week - or £897 a year - for each additional child.
You're normally eligible if you're responsible for someone under the age of 16 - however, you may be able to keep on claiming until your child turns 20. When a child turns 16, it is up to the parent to tell the government if they want to keep claiming. The deadline for informing them is August.
Under the rules, you continue to be eligible for Child Benefit if your child is undertaking 'approved' education or training for more than 12 hours a week. This includes studying for A levels, T levels, Scottish Highers, NVQs or similar qualifications, as well as traineeships.
If your child is home-schooled, you will remain eligible if it began before the age of 16 or if the child has special educational needs or disabilities.
You won't be eligible if your child is studying for an advanced course such as a university degree or BTEC Higher National Certificate, intermediate or advanced apprenticeship or a course paid for by an employer.
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If your child is 16 years old and staying in approved education, then you will need to let HMRC know before the deadline. When your child leaves approved education or training, payments will stop getting Child Benefit at the end of February, May 31, August 31 or November 30, whichever comes first.
HMRC is currently sending letters to thousands of households urging them to act. These letters will continue until the end of July. Parents can extend their claim through the HMRC app or online on GOV.UK. The letters also contain a QR code, which will take them straight to the digital service on GOV.UK.
HMRC says updating your Child Benefit claim only takes "minutes." Last year, more than 870,000 parents extended their Child Benefit claim for their teen, with the majority doing so online.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, said: "Child Benefit is an important boost to families. As soon as you know what your teenager is planning to do, extend your claim in minutes to guarantee your payments continue in September. Simply go to GOV.UK or the HMRC app to confirm today.'
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