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With GCSE results day on 22 August 2024, many families are planning the next chapter for their school-leaving children. If your child intends to continue in approved education or training, it is crucial to extend your Child Benefit claim before 31 August. Taking this step ensures you do not miss out on vital financial support from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Understanding how and when to extend Child Benefit payments can make a significant difference. This guide explains the eligibility criteria, outlines the simple digital process, and details why acting before the deadline is so important.

When Can You Extend Your Child Benefit Claim?

Child Benefit payments do not have to stop when your child turns 16. You can receive Child Benefit for young people aged 16 to 19, provided they are enrolled in full-time, non-advanced education or approved, unpaid training.

It's important to understand what qualifies as approved education or training to ensure your payments continue without interruption.

What is Approved Education?

For your Child Benefit claim to be extended, your child must be in full-time, non-advanced education. This typically involves at least 12 hours of supervised study per week.

Courses that fall under this category include:

• A levels or Scottish Highers
• T levels
• International Baccalaureate
• NVQs and other vocational qualifications up to level 3
• Home education, if it began before your child turned 16 or if they have a special educational needs statement.

Courses such as a university degree or a BTEC Higher National Certificate are considered 'advanced' education and do not qualify.

What is Approved Training?

Your child may also be eligible if they are on an approved training course that is unpaid. These programmes vary across the UK.

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: PEACEPLUS Youth Programme 3.2, Training for Success, or Skills for Life and Work.

These unpaid approved training courses are designed to help young people gain skills and experience.

When Can't You Extend Child Benefit?

There are specific situations where you cannot extend child benefit. Payments will automatically stop if your child enters full-time employment (24 hours a week or more) and is not in approved education or training.

You also cannot claim if your child starts an apprenticeship that is part of a job contract or claims certain benefits in their own right, like Universal Credit.

How to Extend Your Child Benefit Payments

HMRC has made it straightforward to extend your claim. The quickest and easiest way is to use the new digital service on GOV.UK or through the official HMRC app.

To use the online service, you will need your Government Gateway user ID and password. If you do not have one, you can register easily with your National Insurance number and two forms of identification.

This new service updates your claim quickly and provides immediate confirmation. More than 270,000 parents have already used this digital method to ensure their payments continue. If you cannot get online, you can still contact HM Revenue and Customs by phone or post.

Don't Miss the 31 August Deadline

You must inform HMRC of your child's plans by 31 August 2024. If you miss this deadline, your Child Benefit payments will automatically stop. Acting now ensures there is no gap in your financial support.

How Much Benefit Could You Receive?

Child Benefit provides valuable financial assistance. For the 2024/25 tax year, you can receive up to £1,331 a year for your eldest or only child. For each additional child, you could get up to £881 a year.

Even if your individual income is over £60,000 and you have previously opted out of payments due to the High Income Child Benefit Charge, it is still vital to keep your claim active. This protects your National Insurance credits. If your circumstances as a higher earner change, you can easily opt back in to receive payments.

What if Your Child's Plans Change?

It is common for young people to change their minds. If your child leaves approved education or training, you must report this change to HMRC as soon as possible.

You can update your circumstances easily online or via the HMRC app. This will ensure your payments are adjusted correctly and prevent overpayments, which you would need to pay back. The digital service also allows you to view payment details and manage your claim efficiently.

Act Now to Secure Your Payments

With the 31 August deadline approaching, the best time to act is now. Extending your claim is a simple process that secures important financial support for your family. Use the HMRC app or the online portal to update your details and ensure your payments continue.

If you require any assistance with your self-assessment tax return or understanding how your PAYE tax code is affected by your benefits, please feel free to get in touch.

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

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