HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging parents to check if they qualify for a vital benefit worth over £1,400 a year this summer. Child Benefit is typically paid until a child turns 16, but payments can continue beyond that age if specific criteria are met.
Eligibility for Continued Child Benefit
Child Benefit can be paid until a child reaches 20 if they are enrolled in approved education or training, were accepted onto the course before turning 19, and are not claiming Universal Credit. Parents must notify HMRC about their child's education or training status.
What Happens If You Don't Claim?
Your Child Benefit automatically stops on August 31 after your child's 16th birthday if they leave education or training, you fail to inform HMRC of their continued education, or the type of education is not eligible.
Qualifying Education
Child Benefit is available for full-time non-advanced education, defined as more than an average of 12 hours per week of supervised study or work experience. Examples include:
- A levels, International Baccalaureate, T levels, GCSEs, Scottish Highers
- NVQs and vocational qualifications up to level 3
- Home education, study programmes in England, pre-apprenticeships
Non-Qualifying Education
Child Benefit cannot be claimed for university degrees, BTEC Higher National Certificates, foundation diplomas, access courses, HNCs, HNDs, or CertHEs.
Approved Training
Unpaid approved training courses qualify, such as Foundation Apprenticeships in Wales, Traineeships, Jobs Growth Wales+, No One Left Behind in Scotland, and PEACEPLUS Youth Programme 3.2 in Northern Ireland. Training that is part of a job contract or an apprenticeship (except Foundation Apprenticeships in Wales) does not qualify.
How to Notify HMRC
Parents can use the online service to inform HMRC that their child is continuing in education or training. Only the person claiming Child Benefit can do this. Sign-in details are required, or they can be created if needed.
