Every year, thousands of parents in the UK face the risk of losing out on more than £1,300 per child if they don’t take urgent action by the end of August.
With the academic year about to begin, HMRC has issued crucial reminders to parents: if your child turned 16 and is continuing with approved education or training, you must extend your Child Benefit claim by 31 August 2025.
Failure to notify HMRC means payments stop automatically—even if your child remains in school or training. Here’s everything you need to know—facts, figures, FAQs, and a practical table—with bold keywords for SEO clarity.
Why Is This August Deadline So Critical?
From May to July 2025, HMRC dispatched letters (over 1.5 million) reminding parents that Child Benefit payments will automatically stop on 31 August unless their teenager’s continued education or training status is confirmed. Last year, 870,000 parents successfully extended their claim online or via the HMRC app.
This deadline is non-negotiable: even if your child remains eligible, payments end unless action is taken.
Updated Rates: How Much Could You Lose?
For the 2025/26 tax year, Child Benefit rates are:
- £26.05 per week for the first or only child (approx. £1,354.60 annually)
- £17.25 per week for each additional child (approx. £897 annually)
Over a two-year period—if your child stays in school or training until age 18—you could be missing out on £2,709.20 for just the first child.
What Counts as “Approved Education or Training”?
To keep receiving Child Benefit after age 16, your child must be:
- Enrolled in full-time, non‑advanced education (e.g., GCSEs, A‑levels, NVQs up to Level 3, home education)
- Participating in approved unpaid training—but not training that’s part of a job contract
If they leave or start paid work of 24+ hours per week, move on to higher education, or reach age 20, payments will automatically stop at the next scheduled benefit date (end of February, May, August, or November)
How to Extend Your Child Benefit Claim
It’s simple:
- Visit GOV.UK or use the HMRC app.
- Scan the QR code provided in the HMRC reminder letter—or use the service directly online.
- Confirm your teen’s continuing education or training.
- Extension takes just minutes—you’ll carry on receiving payments in September and beyond.
If you can’t use the app or online service, you can still renew by phone or post.
High-Income Households & the Child Benefit Charge
Even if you’re earning above certain thresholds, it may still be worth extending the claim:
- The High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) now applies for individual incomes over £60,000, replacing the previous £50k threshold.
- You must repay 1% of your total Child Benefit for every £200 over £60k, reaching full repayment at £80,000 income.
From summer 2025, eligible employed parents may have the option to pay this charge through their PAYE tax code, reducing administrative burden—though they can still opt for self-assessment if preferred.
Quick Snapshot of Child Benefit Extension Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Deadline | 31 August 2025 |
| Weekly Rate (first child) | £26.05 (≈ £1,354.60 annually) |
| Weekly Rate (additional) | £17.25 (≈ £897 annually per child) |
| Purpose | Continue payments for children aged 16–19 in approved education/training |
| Where to Extend | HMRC app or GOV.UK (QR code in reminder letter) |
| Last Year’s Extensions | 870,000 parents renewed their claim successfully online |
| If Missed | Payments stop automatically in September—we lose over £1,300 per child |
| HICBC Threshold | Charge starts at £60,000, fully applied by £80,000 income |
| Payment Format | Paid every four weeks into claimant’s bank account |
This August 31 deadline is absolutely vital. Missing it means losing out on more than £1,300 a year per child, potentially totaling thousands over a couple of years.
With just a few clicks through the HMRC app or GOV.UK, you can ensure your Child Benefit continues seamlessly into September and beyond. Act now to protect your family’s financial support.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if I miss the 31 August deadline?
If you fail to extend your claim, Child Benefit payments stop automatically—even if your child is still eligible. The first child’s benefit of about £1,354 per year will be lost.
2. My income is over £60,000—should I still extend?
Yes. Even high‑income households benefit because National Insurance credits and access still matter. You’ll need to repay part or all via HICBC, but you can choose to pay through your PAYE code to simplify matters.
3. How do I extend if I didn’t get a reminder letter?
You don’t need the letter. Head to GOV.UK or launch the HMRC app, search for “Child Benefit when your child turns 16,” and extend your claim directly. It takes only a few minutes.