Don’t miss the 31 August deadline to extend your Child Benefit
13/05/2025
News
What’s happening?
If you’re a single parent with a teenager aged 16 to 19 in Scotland, make sure Child Benefit doesn’t suddenly stop this autumn. HMRC has set a clear deadline: you must confirm your child is staying in education or training by 31 August. If you don’t, your payments will automatically end.
This applies once your child turns 16, even if they’re still planning to go to college or continue school. The process to extend your claim can be done online or through the HMRC app, but you have to do it before the deadline.
What happens to Child Benefit when your child turns 16
When your child turns 16, Child Benefit payments don’t keep going automatically. You need to let HMRC know if your teen is continuing in full-time education or approved training. If you don’t, payments will stop on 31 August following their 16th birthday.
Find out more about what happens to Child Benefit when your child turns 16.
That might sound like a lot of admin, but it only takes a few minutes online and it could mean the difference between continuing to receive over £1,300 a year or losing it altogether.
What you need to do
You don’t need to wait for a letter to take action, although many parents will receive one between May and July with a QR code linking directly to the service.
Just head to GOV.UK or use the HMRC app to confirm your child’s status by the deadline of 31 August. It’s quick, easy, and can be done in minutes.
How much Is Child Benefit worth?
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£26.05 per week for your eldest or only child
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£17.25 per week for each additional child
What if you or your ex earns over £60,000?
If you or your former partner earns over £60,000 a year, you might be affected by the High Income Child Benefit Charge. HMRC has a calculator online to help you work out how much you’ll keep after the charge.
New this year
You can now pay the charge automatically through your PAYE tax code rather than filing a Self Assessment. If that suits you better, it’s now an option.
Already opted out?
If you previously opted out of receiving Child Benefit (perhaps because of the income charge), you can now opt back in just as easily. Everything can be managed online or in the HMRC app.