As results season wraps up, thousands of UK parents are being reminded of a crucial deadline. If your teenager is turning 16 this summer and plans to continue in approved education or training, you must update your details with HMRC by 31 August.
Otherwise, your Child Benefit payments will automatically stop in September, leaving you out of pocket by up to £1,354 a year for your eldest or only child.
What’s the Deadline and Who Needs to Act?
Child Benefit ends automatically on 31 August following a child’s 16th birthday unless HMRC is notified of continued education. Parents or guardians must renew their claim online or via the HMRC app before the deadline to keep payments running.
This update is essential for children staying in:
- A-levels, T Levels, NVQ up to Level 3
- Full-time non-advanced education (12+ hours of supervised study weekly)
- Approved training courses
However, if your child begins an apprenticeship in England or works more than 24 hours a week, Child Benefit will stop.
How Much Could You Lose?
For the 2025/26 tax year, the rates are:
- £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child (£1,354.60 annually)
- £17.25 per week for each additional child (£897 annually)
Payments are usually made every four weeks, though single parents and some benefit recipients may opt for weekly payments.
How to Extend Your Claim in 5 Steps
- Log into your HMRC app or GOV.UK Child Benefit service.
- Provide your child’s education or training details.
- Confirm the start date of the new course or training.
- Submit the information to secure your payments.
- Report any future changes (dropping out, working more than 24 hours, apprenticeships, etc.) promptly.
Missed the Cut-Off? What Happens Next?
If you forget to update by 31 August, you may still be able to backdate your claim up to three months, but delays could cause gaps in payments.
Parents of 16–17-year-olds who leave education may also qualify for a 20-week Child Benefit Extension if the child registers with a careers service or joins the armed forces.
High-Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC): What’s New?
From April 2024, the HICBC threshold increased. The charge now begins when earnings hit £60,000 and is fully withdrawn at £80,000.
Even if your income means you won’t receive full Child Benefit, it is still worth claiming to protect your National Insurance credits, which count toward your future State Pension.
Quick Reference
| Item | Amount / Rule | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Deadline | 31 August | Update details via HMRC app or GOV.UK |
| Weekly rate (eldest/only) | £26.05 | Worth £1,354.60 annually |
| Weekly rate (additional) | £17.25 | Worth £897 annually |
| Payment frequency | Every 4 weeks | Weekly available in specific cases |
| Eligibility after 16 | Full-time education/training | At least 12 hours/week supervised study |
| England apprenticeships | Not eligible | Claim ends when apprenticeship begins |
| HICBC threshold | £60k–£80k | Protects NI credits even if reduced |
| Extension period | 20 weeks | If child registers with careers service/armed forces |
For parents, this is a deadline you can’t afford to ignore. Extending your Child Benefit could secure £1,354 a year for your eldest child and £897 for each additional child.
Beyond the money, keeping your claim active also safeguards your National Insurance record, ensuring you don’t lose out on future pension entitlements.
A quick update online before 31 August can make all the difference to your household finances.
FAQs
How long can Child Benefit continue after age 16?
Payments can continue until your child’s 20th birthday, provided they remain in approved full-time education or training.
Can I switch to weekly Child Benefit payments?
Yes, if you’re a single parent or receiving certain benefits, you can opt for weekly payments instead of the standard four-weekly schedule.
What if I miss the deadline?
If you fail to update by 31 August, you may still backdate a claim up to three months, but there could be a temporary break in payments.