More than a million parents may need to act
HM Revenue and Customs is launching a significant postal campaign, with approximately 1.5 million letters being sent out to parents who risk automatically losing their Child Benefit entitlements this year unless they take prompt action.
Child Benefit is worth at least £1,406.60 per year, while also providing additional support such as National Insurance credits. Despite families receiving the benefit having their payments automatically halted once their child reaches 16, this does not necessarily mean they are no longer entitled to it.
Where a child satisfies certain conditions, payments can continue for a further four years, though parents must notify HMRC whether their child meets the relevant criteria. The letters will serve as a reminder that the deadline to extend a Child Benefit claim is 31st August.
The majority of letters are expected to begin landing on doormats from 8th May, each featuring a QR code directing parents to the appropriate digital portal to extend their claim. HMRC has confirmed, however, that parents need not wait for the letter to arrive.
Should your child’s plans for the forthcoming academic year already be confirmed, you can extend your claim ahead of receiving the letter via the Gov.uk website.
To qualify for an extension, your child must not be in receipt of Universal Credit and must intend to spend the next year in full-time approved education or training. They must also have secured a place on the course prior to turning 19.
The complete list of qualifying courses is available on the Gov.uk website. This covers A levels, T levels, Scottish Highers and Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships or the Jobs Growth Wales+ scheme in Wales.
Education and training that is not approved for purposes of Child Benefit:
- Studying for a university degree or BTEC Higher National Certificate
- Apprenticeship, unless it’s a Foundation Apprenticeship in Wales
- Courses with an employer’s agreement
- Training courses that are part of a job contract
Should your child discontinue approved education or training, you must notify HMRC to halt your Child Benefit payments. Though you may be eligible to continue receiving the support for a further 20 weeks, referred to as an extension, under specific circumstances.
Child Benefit provides £27.05 weekly for the eldest or only child and £17.90 weekly for each subsequent child. For households with a single child, this amounts to a minimum of £1,406.60 annually.
Only one person can receive Child Benefit for a child, though there’s no restriction on the number of children you can claim for.
