While young people are considering their future beyond their GCSE or Scottish National Certificate results, HMRC is asking parents and carers to make sure they update their Child Benefit records by 31 August, or risk seeing their payments end.
HMRC has written to 1.3 million parents and carers of children, who are in the last year of school or education, to remind them to update their Child Benefit records. More than 600,000 families have already notified HMRC, but many have yet to do so.
Parents and carers can update their Child Benefit records using their personal tax account on GOV.UK, by returning a completed copy of the form they were sent earlier in the year, or by telephone.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s deputy chief executive and second permanent secretary, said Child Benefit provides vital financial support for families.
The quickest way to notify HMRC is via a personal tax account online, or search “child benefit when a child turns 16” on GOV.UK for more information or further options.
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. This includes A-levels/Scottish Highers, NVQs up to Level 3, or certain traineeships – check GOV.UK for a list of approved courses and training schemes.
