Deadline looms for parents to update Child Benefit for 16 year olds

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding parents and carers they have until 31 August 2021 to confirm whether their teenagers are staying in full-time education or training beyond 16.

Last week, teenagers across the UK received their GSCE or Scottish National Certificate results and many are now considering their future. If they decide to continue their full-time education or training, parents or carers will be eligible to continue receiving Child Benefit payments for their child.

HMRC has sent reminder letters to families receiving Child Benefit for their child in the last year of school or home education. If their child is staying in education beyond age 16, parents or carers must notify HMRC by the end of August, or their Child Benefit will be stopped.

It is quick and easy to update Child Benefit records via GOV.UK. Alternatively, parents or carers can return the 297b form sent to them by HMRC.

Child Benefit is paid to eligible parents or carers who are responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they are in full-time non-advanced education or approved training.

Parents or carers receiving Child Benefit and who also have an income over £50,000 (or their partner does), may have to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge via an annual Self Assessment tax return.

Post Office card accounts are closing. From 30 November 2021, HMRC will stop making payments of Child Benefit, Guardians Allowance and tax credits, into Post Office card accounts. HMRC is reminding any Child Benefit and tax credits customers who use this account to receive their payments, that they will need to notify HMRC of their new bank, building society or credit union account details. HMRC is encouraging customers to act now so they do not miss any payments once their Post Office account closes. They can contact HMRC’s helpline (0345 300 3900) or use their Personal Tax Account. To find out how to open a bank account, visit Citizens Advice.

Notes to Editors

1. Visit GOV.UK to find out more about Child Benefit for 16-19 year olds
2. Child Benefit and tax credits customers, who use a Post Office card account to receive their payments, must notify HMRC of their new bank account details before 30 November 2021. If they miss the deadline, their payments will be suspended until a valid bank account is provided.
3. From 31 August, M&S Bank is closing their current accounts and Tesco is closing their current accounts from 30 November. Similarly, with Post Office card account holders, any Child Benefit and tax credits customers who receive their payments to an M&S or Tesco current account, will need to provide an alternative account, or their payments will be suspended.
4. Follow HMRC’s Press Office on Twitter @HMRCpressoffice