Parents of 16 to 19-year-olds reminded to extend child benefit claim

Parents of 16 to 19-year-olds are being encouraged to extend their child benefit claim if their child is staying in education or training.

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

So between May and July, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will send letters to parents reminding them to extend their claim if their teenager is either staying in full-time education or approved training after finishing their GCSEs.

Otherwise, they’ll miss out on support that they’re eligible to receive.

How do I extend my claim?

If your child is staying in full-time education or approved training, you can extend your claim:

• via the HMRC app
• online on GOV.UK
• by scanning the QR code on your letter, which takes you to GOV.UK

How much is child benefit?

Child benefit is currently worth:

• £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child
• £17.25 a week for each additional child

“Child benefit is an important boost to families,” said Myrtle Lloyd, director general for customer services at HMRC.

“As soon as you know what your teenager is planning to do, extend your claim in minutes to guarantee your payments continue in September.”

Last year, more than 870,000 parents extended their child benefit claim for their teen.