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As GCSE results day approaches on 22 August, many parents and families are looking at the next steps for their school-leaving children. Suppose your child plans to continue their education or training in an approved setting. In that case, it's vital to extend your Child Benefit claim before 31 August to ensure you continue to receive financial support.

This guide explains how to extend your Child Benefit payments, outlines the eligibility criteria for approved education, and details how to use the new digital service to manage your claim. Acting before the deadline is crucial to prevent your payments from being stopped.

When Can You Extend Your Child's Benefit?

Child Benefit can continue for young people aged 16 to 19, provided they are enrolled in full-time, non-advanced education or an approved, unpaid training course. Parents need to understand the implications of this to ensure their claim is accepted.

What Is Approved Education?

To extend your Child Benefit, your child must be in approved education. This typically refers to a course that requires more than 12 hours of supervised study per week. It does not include advanced courses, such as those needed for a university degree.

The types of non-advanced education that qualify include:

• A levels or Scottish Highers

• T levels and International Baccalaureate

• NVQs and other vocational qualifications up to level 3

• Home education, if it began before the child turned 16 or if they have a special educational needs statement.

What Is Approved Training?

Your claim can also be extended if your child is on an approved, unpaid training course. These programmes are designed to help young people gain skills and are often supported by government schemes.

Examples of approved training include:

• In Wales: Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships, or the Jobs Growth Wales+ scheme.

• In Scotland: The No One Left Behind programme.

• In Northern Ireland: The PEACEPLUS Youth Programme 3.2, Training for Success, or Skills for Life and Work.

When Can't You Extend the Child Benefit?

You cannot extend Child Benefit if your child begins full-time employment (24 hours a week or more) and is not in approved training. Payments will also automatically stop if they start an apprenticeship linked to a job contract or begin claiming certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, in their own right.

How to Extend Your Child Benefit Claim

To ensure your payments continue, you must inform HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) by 31 August. The process is designed to be simple and can be completed quickly online.

You can use the GOV: UK digital service or the official HMRC app. To do so, you will need a Government Gateway user ID and password. If you don't have an account, you can create one with your National Insurance number and two forms of ID.

This new service enables you to update your records promptly, providing you with peace of mind. Over 270,000 parents have already successfully used this method to extend their claim. If you are unable to access the internet, you can still contact HM Revenue and Customs by post or phone.

Don't Miss the 31 August Deadline

It is crucial to act before the 31 August deadline. If you do not extend your Child Benefit claim in time, your payments will stop. Completing the process online is the fastest way to confirm your details and avoid any interruption in support.

How Much Support Can You Receive?

Child Benefit can offer significant financial help. It provides up to £1,331 annually for the first or eldest child and £881 for each additional child. Missing the deadline means this money will no longer be paid into your account.

Even if you have opted out of receiving payments due to the High Income Child Benefit Charge (where an individual's income exceeds the threshold), it's essential to keep your claim details up to date. This helps protect your National Insurance credits. If your circumstances change, you can easily opt back in.

What if Your Child's Plans Change?

If your child decides not to continue with their education or training after you have extended your claim, you must report the change to HMRC. You can easily do this online or via the HMRC app. Your Child Benefit payments will then be adjusted accordingly. The digital service also allows you to check your claim status and view payment details.

Act Now to Secure Your Payments

With the 31 August deadline fast approaching, don't delay in filing your extension. The online service is the most efficient way to extend your claim and ensure your family continues to receive this valuable support. If you have any concerns about your eligibility, you can speak to a local careers service for advice on approved courses.

See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/extend-child-benefit-for-your-teen-by-31-august

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