As teenagers received their exam results this week and last, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) were reminding parents to extend their Child Benefit claims by 31 August to ensure payments continue in September. Renewing your claim is quick, easy, and can be done online or via the HMRC app.

Who is eligible?

Families with teenagers continuing in full-time education or approved training can apply for the ongoing Child Benefit support.

Child Benefit provides £26.05 per week (£1,354.60 a year) for your eldest or only child, and £17.25 per week (£897 a year) for each additional child.

How to renew your claim

  • Online or via the HMRC app is the fastest option.
  • If you have already received a reminder letter from HMRC, you can also scan the QR code in the letter to go straight to the renewal service.
  • Renewal is required by 31 August; otherwise payments will stop automatically.

Parents can also restart Child Benefit payments quickly if they previously opted out. From 1 September, eligibility extends to 16 to 19-year-olds who are home-educated or unable to attend college due to illness or disability.

For business owners with employees who are parents, it may be useful to share this reminder. Ensuring staff are aware of deadlines and easy online options helps them avoid interruptions in payments and reduces financial stress on them.

High-income households and the Child Benefit tax charge

Families where either parent earns between £60,000 and £80,000 may be affected by the High-Income Child Benefit Charge. HMRC provides an online tax calculator to estimate how much benefit will be received and the potential charge. Soon, eligible employed parents will have the option to pay the charge directly through their PAYE tax code, reducing paperwork.

If you need any help with your Child Benefit claim, please give us a call. We would be happy to help you!

See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/parents-urged-to-extend-their-teens-child-benefit-claim-online-as-deadline-approaches