**Parents Urged to Update Details to Avoid Loss of Child Benefit Payments as August Deadline Approaches**
Families across the UK are being urged to act swiftly to avoid disruption to their Child Benefit payments, with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) issuing warnings about an impending critical deadline. Unless parents of older children soon update their claim information, these essential payments may be stopped automatically, potentially costing families thousands of pounds annually.
The vital cut-off point is set for 31 August 2025. By this date, parents whose children are aged 16 to 19 and staying on in approved forms of education or training after GCSEs are required to confirm their eligibility for continued support. If this information is not provided by the deadline, the necessary payments will simply cease – a situation families are being encouraged to avoid.
To facilitate the process, HMRC has made updates easier than ever. Parents may log in via the HMRC app or the official GOV.UK website to extend their Child Benefit claim in just a few quick steps. In addition, recent correspondence from the tax authority includes a user-friendly QR code, directing families directly to the digital service.
Child Benefit plays a crucial monetary role for many households. The current weekly payment stands at £26.05 for an eldest or only child—totalling an annual sum of £1,354.60. For each subsequent child, an extra £17.25 per week is granted, adding up to £897 a year. In 2024, more than 870,000 families renewed their Child Benefit for teenagers by using online tools, a testament to both the necessity and ease of the process.
Speaking on the matter, Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, highlighted the significance of these payments for family budgets across the UK. “Child Benefit is an important boost to families,” said Ms Lloyd. “Once you know your teenager’s plans for the next academic year, confirm your claim online to ensure you don’t miss out when September comes around.”
It’s important to note that only those children who are enrolled in full-time, non-advanced education or particular types of approved training remain eligible for Child Benefit beyond their 16th birthday. Parents whose children opt not to continue with education or training are advised to inform HMRC as soon as possible, so payments can be accurately adjusted and any overpayments avoided.
Higher-earning families also need to be aware of the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). If a parent or their partner earns between £60,000 and £80,000 annually, the household is liable for a tax charge reducing the overall benefit. HMRC offers an online tax calculator to help families estimate both their Child Benefit entitlement and any payable charges.
Introducing further convenience, the government is set to launch a new system this summer as part of the wider ‘Plan for Change’. This allows families to pay the HICBC directly via their PAYE tax code, reducing paperwork and making the process more straightforward. Those who prefer the existing Self Assessment route will still be able to use it.
Families who have previously chosen to stop receiving Child Benefit are reminded that they can easily reinstate payments at any time, utilising the HMRC app or GOV.UK website for a streamlined process.
As teenagers turn 16, they may also take control of their Child Trust Fund savings—accounts set up for every qualifying child born between September 2002 and January 2011. Parents and young people can check with their fund provider or use a free locator tool on GOV.UK if they are uncertain about their account details.
For thousands of families, the coming months will bring administrative tasks, but the message from HMRC could not be clearer: prompt action is necessary to ensure vital support continues without interruption. For more information or to access online services, families are encouraged to visit GOV.UK or use the latest version of the HMRC app.