HMRC alert as parents have until the end of this month to take action
Some parents may be in danger of losing their Child Benefit payments next month. Parents who receive the benefit and have a child who turned 16 this year, or is continuing their education or starting approved training, must update their details by August 31.
If they fail to do so, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) could withdraw the benefit. Parents should get a letter in the post during their child's final year of school.
This letter will ask the parent to confirm if the child is staying in education or training - remember, only the person claiming the Child Benefit can provide these details.
Who is eligible for Child Benefit
To be eligible for child benefit, you need to care for someone under 16, but in some cases, payments can continue until the child turns 20. When a child reaches 16, the claimant must inform the government to extend their benefit.
Regarding the August deadline, parents need to tell HMRC that they plan to keep receiving the benefit as long as the child is entering an approved form of education or training.
Moreover, this education or training must be at least 12 hours a week to continue to qualify. This can include A level, T level, Scottish Higher, NVQ or similar qualification studies, and traineeships.
Home schooling is still valid for Child Benefit as long as it began before the child turned 16 or if the youngster has special needs or disabilities.
However, eligibility ceases once the child starts an advanced course like a university degree, BTEC Higher National Certificate, intermediate/advanced apprenticeship, or an employer-funded course.
If you're eligible but haven't received a letter from HMRC about the change, don't worry – they've said they'll keep sending them out until the end of July.
Updating details with HMRC
Parents have the option to extend their Child Benefit claims using the HMRC app or online via GOV.UK. The letters also contain a QR code that directs parents to the digital service on GOV.UK.
HMRC promises that updating your Child Benefit claim is a breeze and takes just "minutes." Last year, 870,000 parents renewed their Child Benefit claims for their teens, with the majority doing it online.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, stated: "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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