Don’t Lose Your Child Benefit: What to Do If Your Child Turns 16 This Year
If your child is turning 16 in 2025, there’s an important deadline you need to know about to ensure you continue receiving Child Benefit payments.
Why You Need to Act by 31 August 2025
Child Benefit payments automatically stop on 31 August following a child’s 16th birthday—unless HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is informed that your child is continuing in approved education or training. To keep receiving these payments, you must notify HMRC before that date.
Here’s what’s at stake:
- £26.05 per week (£1,354.60 per year) for your eldest or only child
- £17.25 per week (£897 per year) for each additional child
What Counts as Approved Education or Training?
Child Benefit can continue until your child turns 20—if they’re in one of the following:
Full-time non-advanced education such as:
- A Levels
- T Levels
- NVQs (up to Level 3)
- International Baccalaureate
- Scottish Highers
Approved unpaid training, including:
- Wales: Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Jobs Growth Wales+
- Northern Ireland: PEACEPLUS Youth Programme 3.2, Training for Success, Skills for Life and Work
- Scotland: No One Left Behind programme
⚠️ Note: Payments do not continue if your child begins advanced education (like university) or paid work over 24 hours per week.
How to Notify HMRC
You can update HMRC easily online using their Child Benefit service. You'll need your Government Gateway ID and password. If you don’t have one, registration is straightforward.
High Income Child Benefit Charge: Still Worth Claiming?
If you or your partner earns more than £60,000 annually, you may be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. Even if you opt out of receiving the payments to avoid the tax charge, it’s still smart to keep your claim active—doing so ensures you receive valuable National Insurance credits that count toward your State Pension.
Your Next Steps
- Confirm your child’s post-16 education or training plans.
- Notify HMRC of their continued eligibility by 31 August 2025.
- Keep your contact and payment details up to date with HMRC.
Help Others Stay Informed
Please share this with other parents or carers who have children turning 16 this year. Missing the deadline could mean missing out on hundreds of pounds in support.
If you have any questions or need help with the process, feel free to reach out.
