HMRC Issues £1,354 Child Benefit Alert for Parents of Teenagers
Parents in the UK are being urged by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to take action now if they want to continue receiving Child Benefit for their teenage children. The warning comes as the new school year approaches in September.
More than 509,000 parents of teenagers, who remain in full-time education or approved training, have already extended their Child Benefit claims.
Surprisingly, a record 67% have done so online, ensuring their payments won’t be interrupted. However, parents must extend their claims by 31 August, or payments will automatically stop.
Child Benefit currently offers £26.05 per week, or £1,354.60 annually, for the eldest or only child. Additional children qualify for £17.25 per week, equating to £897 per year.
HMRC has sent reminders to 1.5 million parents of 16 to 19-year-olds, highlighting the easiest ways to extend claims: either via the HMRC app, the online digital service, or by scanning the QR code included in their letters.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, emphasises the importance of acting promptly: “Teenagers can be expensive and Child Benefit is an important source of income for your household.
HMRC urges parents to extend Child Benefit claims for teens in education.
Extend by August 31st or payments stop.https://t.co/fZZ9DTUt3x#ChildBenefit #HMRC #Education #HDCC pic.twitter.com/5xwgyhu2wM
— Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce (@HGchamber) August 20, 2025
As soon as you know what your teen is doing in September, don’t miss out. You can extend your claim in minutes through the HMRC app or online to ensure your payments continue.”
Child Benefit isn’t limited to students in traditional schools. Payments can continue for young people engaged in full-time non-advanced education or approved unpaid training courses. A complete list of eligible courses is available on GOV.UK.
For families where either parent earns between £60,000 and £80,000, the higher earner may be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. HMRC provides an online Child Benefit tax calculator to help estimate payments and potential charges.
Excitingly, a new digital service will soon allow eligible parents to pay this charge directly through their PAYE tax code, removing the need for Self Assessment tax returns. Those who prefer the existing system can continue using Self Assessment.
Families who previously opted out of Child Benefit can also restart their claims easily via the HMRC app or online, ensuring no payments are missed.
