Child benefit for 16 to 19 year olds

The weekly child benefit rates for the only or eldest child in a family is currently £25.60 and the rate for all other children is £16.95.

Taxpayers entitled to child benefit should be aware that HMRC usually stops paying child benefit on 31 August following a child’s 16th Birthday. Under qualifying circumstances, the child benefit payment can continue until a child reaches their 20th birthday if they stay in approved education or training. A qualifying young person is someone aged 16, 17, 18 or 19 in full-time, non-advanced education or on unpaid approved training courses.

HMRC has just sent more than 1.4 million reconfirmation letters to parents whose child may be affected. The letters include a QR code which, when scanned, directs them to GOV.UK to update their claim quickly and easily online. This can also be done on the HMRC app.

Parents have until 31 August 2024 to tell HMRC that their 16-year-old is continuing their education or training, and their intention to continue receiving Child Benefit. No child benefit is payable after a young person reaches the age of 20 years.

HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services recently said:

‘Child Benefit is an important financial support for many families, so make sure you don’t miss out on any payments if your teenager intends to continue approved education or training. You can quickly and easily extend your claim online or via the HMRC app, just search ‘Child Benefit when your child turns 16’ on GOV.UK.’

Child benefit is usually payable for children who come to the UK. However, there are some rules which must be met before making a claim. HMRC must be notified immediately if a child receiving child benefit moves permanently abroad.