Parents of children aged between 16 and 19 years of age and continuing their education or training after their GCSEs can extend the Child Benefit they receive.

If this is true for you, then HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) should be in the process of writing to remind you about this. On their letter, it will include a QR code. If you scan this and follow the link, you will be directed to a page on GOV.UK that will allow you to easily update your claim.

You should receive this letter by 17 July. If for some reason, you have not received a letter by then, you can also make the claim via GOV.UK yourself or by using the HMRC app. You will need a Government Gateway user ID and password to be able to do this.

Child Benefit can be worth £1,331 a year for your first or only child, and up to £881 a year for each additional child. Payments will automatically stop on 31 August after the child has turned 16 unless the parents take action to renew their claim.

The payments can be extended if your child is studying full time in approved non-advanced education. This includes:

  • A levels or Scottish Highers;
  • International Baccalaureate;
  • Home education – generally only if started before the child turned 16, unless you have a statement of special educational needs that was assessed by your local authority;
  • T levels; and
  • NVQs, up to level 3.

The following unpaid approved training courses also qualify for extending your claim:

  • Wales: Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships or the Jobs Growth+ Wales scheme;
  • Northern Ireland: PEACEPLUS Youth Programme 3.2, Training for Success or Skills for Life and Work; and
  • Scotland: Employability Fund programme and No One Left Behind.

If you have any difficulties with extending your claim or would like help in making the claim, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to help you!

See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dont-lose-out-extend-child-benefit-for-your-16-to-19-year-old