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HMRC reminds parents to update their children’s details as exam results revealed

Press release -

HMRC reminds parents to update their children’s details as exam results revealed

As GCSE exam results are released around the country today, HM Revenue and Customs is reminding parents that receive Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits to inform them of their child’s educational status ahead of 31 August, otherwise payments will stop.

Parents can use the Personal Tax Account (PTA) service to update both their Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit information online in minutes.

Parents must contact HMRC to confirm the eligibility of their 16+ child if they are continuing in full-time, non-advanced education, moving into employment or undertaking approved training. Alternatively, if a young person leaves full-time education or training, for example, to start full-time work or because their course has ended, claimants must report this change straight away to prevent an overpayment, which they will have to pay back.

Nick Lodge, Director General of Benefits and Credits, said:

“This is an exciting time for teenagers and their families as they decide which path they want to choose next. But it’s important that customers let us know what education their son or daughter is undertaking after they turn 16 so that we can ensure they receive the correct benefits.

“This can be done simply and quickly using the Personal Tax Account which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That means that parents can let us know their child’s education status at a time that suits them ahead of 31 August". 

Notes to Editors

1.Customers can access their Personal Tax Account on any device - PC, tablet or smartphone. It is secure and takes just a few minutes to get started. Those doing it for the first time will need:

  • Their National Insurance number
  • Either a recent payslip or P60 (a passport can be used if you don't have these)
  • A phone to receive a security access code.

There are three simple steps for customers to get started:

1. Go to gov.uk/personal-tax-account and click ‘start now’.

2. Set up a Government Gateway account (if not already held) by answering a few simple questions - this is where a payslip or P60 is needed. A security access code will then be sent to the customer’s phone.

3. Enter the access code on their phone when prompted, which will take them straight to their account.                 

People can continue to claim for teenagers aged between the ages of 16 and 19 years if they are in qualifying full-time education or training. Online information about what counts as education and training can be found on GOV.UK.

  •     Young people must be accepted onto qualifying education or training before their 19th birthday to be eligible.
  •     Child Tax Credit claimants need to confirm their continued eligibility annually for 16, 18 and 19 year olds.

2.Those unable to access the internet can also inform HMRC of changes on the phone by calling 0300 200 3100 or sending a letter to: Child Tax Credits: Tax Credits Office, Preston, PR1 4AT and/or Child Benefit: Child Benefit Office, PO Box 1, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE88 1AA.

3.Claimants could be given a penalty for failing to report a change, or even prosecuted for benefit fraud if they are found to have deliberately claimed money they were not entitled to.

4.If customers need help defining what counts as education, the government’s website contains information to help them. Some of the educational options available to 16 year olds include GCSEs, A/AS levels, national diplomas and NVQs up to level 3, as well as apprenticeships or traineeships. The qualifying education level is non-advanced, so studying for a degree at university or a BTEC Higher National Certificate does not count.

5.HMRC’s Flickr channel: www.flickr.com/hmrcgovuk

6.Follow HMRC’s press office on Twitter @HMRCpressoffice

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Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is the UK’s tax authority.

HMRC is responsible for making sure that the money is available to fund the UK’s public services and for helping families and individuals with targeted financial support.

Contacts

HMRC Press Office

HMRC Press Office

Press contact 03000 585 018

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is the UK’s tax authority

HMRC is responsible for making sure that the money is available to fund the UK’s public services and for helping families and individuals with targeted financial support.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
100 Parliament St
SW1A 2BQ London