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What happens to Universal Credit when my child is 16+?

Last updated: 03/07/2025

Universal Credit provides financial support to families for living expenses and rent. It includes amounts for yourself and your children. When your child turns 16, you may see changes to your Universal Credit. Here’s how it works, what to expect, and how to make sure you don’t miss out on support.

Related information

For more information on Universal Credit see: Universal Credit

For more information on how other benefits change as your child gets older see: My child is turning 16

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Child Benefit and Universal Credit are connected

Child Benefit usually stops on 31 August after your child’s 16th birthday unless they stay in approved full-time education or training.

When Child Benefit stops, the child element of your Universal Credit will also stop. This means the total amount of Universal Credit you get will go down.

It’s important that you report the stopping of Child Benefit in your Universal Credit online account.

For more information on what happens to Child Benefit as your child gets older, take a look at what happens to Child Benefit when my child turns 16?

 

Universal Credit child element

Universal Credit includes an extra amount for your children until either:

  • The 31 August following their 16th birthday
  • The 31 August after their 19th birthday if they still live at home and are in approved education or training.

If your child is 18 or older and no longer in approved education or training, they can apply for Universal Credit themselves. If your child claims Universal Credit in their own name, this also ends your claim for the child element of Universal Credit.

What counts as ‘approved’ education or training?

Approved education or training means your child is either:

  • Enrolled on a course for more than 12 hours a week during term time, studying for qualifications such as GCSEs, A levels, BTEC, Scottish Highers, SVQ, or NVQ up to level 3
  • Accepted on approved training (check with the training provider if you’re unsure)

What if your child starts working?

If your child starts working 24 hours a week or more, or leaves education altogether:

  • Child Benefit will stop
  • The child element of Universal Credit will end
  • Your Universal Credit housing costs (for rent) may be reduced depending on how much your child earns

What you need to do

To make sure your Universal Credit is correct:

  • Let the various benefits offices know if your child is continuing in education or training
  • Report any changes to your child’s circumstances (e.g. leaving education, starting work, moving out) in your Universal Credit online account
  • If your child leaves education or training, or turns 20, your support will change, so it’s a good idea to try to plan ahead where possible

Need help?

If you’re unsure what to do, or worried about your payments:

We can help you understand your rights and make sure you’re getting the financial support you need.

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