Parents urged to extend Child Benefit claims as deadline approaches

With GCSE results being released this week, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding parents of teenagers to extend their Child Benefit claims before the 31 August deadline to ensure payments continue into the new school term.

More than 509,000 parents of 16 to 19-year-olds who are staying in full-time education or approved training have already extended their claims this year. A record-breaking 67% have used the online service or HMRC app to secure their payments.

Child Benefit is currently worth £26.05 per week (£1,354.60 a year) for the eldest or only child, and £17.25 per week (£897 a year) for each additional child. However, parents who do not renew their claim risk payments stopping automatically in September.

HMRC has contacted 1.5 million eligible families to remind them to act quickly. Parents can extend their claim using the HMRC app, online digital services, or by scanning the QR code included in their reminder letter.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:

“Teenagers can be expensive and Child Benefit is an important source of income for your household. As soon as you know what your teen is doing in September, don’t miss out. You can extend your claim in minutes through the HMRC app or online to ensure your payments continue.”

Child Benefit payments can continue for young people studying full-time in non-advanced education or participating in unpaid, approved training courses. A full list of approved courses is available on GOV.UK.

Families should also be aware of the High Income Child Benefit Charge. If either parent earns between £60,000 and £80,000, the higher earner will be subject to the charge. HMRC offers an online Child Benefit tax calculator to help families estimate how much they will receive and what the charge might be.

As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, families will soon have the option to pay the charge directly through their PAYE tax code via a new digital service, removing the need for a Self Assessment tax return. Those who wish to continue filing through Self Assessment may still do so.

Parents who have previously opted out of receiving Child Benefit can also choose to opt back in quickly and easily using the HMRC app or online service.

Key deadline for parents

The deadline to extend claims is 31 August 2025. Parents who do not act in time will see their Child Benefit payments automatically stop in September.