Deadline for extending child benefit fast approaching

Parents of 16 to 19-year-olds have just two weeks to extend their child benefit claim if their child is staying in education or approved training.

Child benefit automatically stops on 31 August on or after a child’s 16th birthday unless it’s extended.

So with teenagers gearing up to collect their GCSE results next week and make plans for the future, HM Revenue & Customs is urging parents to act quickly or miss out on support they’re entitled to get.

How do I extend my claim?

If this applies to you, you can extend your claim:

• via the HMRC app
• online on GOV.UK

or by scanning the QR code on your letter, which takes you to GOV.UK

How much is child benefit?

Child benefit is currently worth:

• £27.05 a week for the eldest or only child
• £17.90 a week for each additional child

“Exam results season is a big moment for teenagers deciding their next steps, and it’s the perfect time for parents to confirm those plans with us,” said Myrtle Lloyd, director general for customer services at HMRC.

“Child benefit is a vital source of support for many families and we don’t want anyone to miss out.”

Last year, more than 874,000 parents extended their child benefit claim for their teen.