Child Benefit doesn’t continue once your child turns 16 unless you confirm their education or training plans. Here’s everything you need to know to make sure you don’t miss out on the support you’re entitled to.
Child Benefit at Age 16, What Changes?
Child Benefit typically ends on the 31st of August following your child’s 16th birthday, unless they continue in approved education or training.
HMRC will send a letter asking you to confirm your child’s plans. If your child is staying in education or training, you need to let HMRC know, otherwise payments will stop. Only the person who receives the Child Benefit can update HMRC.
What Counts as “Approved Education or Training”?
Approved Full-Time Education (must be more than 12 hours/week)
- A levels or International Baccalaureate.
- T levels.
- NVQs (up to level 3).
- Scottish Highers.
- Study programmes in England.
- Pre-apprenticeship courses.
- Home education (if started before 16 or supported by a statement of special educational needs).
Approved Training (must be unpaid)
Training must be part of a recognised government-funded scheme and not part of paid employment. Examples include:
- England: Traineeships, Supported Internships, or other government-approved pre-apprenticeship or employability programmes.
- Wales: Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Jobs Growth Wales+.
- Scotland: No One Left Behind.
- Northern Ireland: PEACEPLUS Youth Programme, Training for Success, Skills for Life and Work.
This list is not exhaustive, other approved training schemes may also qualify if they meet HMRC’s criteria.
Note: The Foundation Apprenticeship in Wales is an exception. It may still count as approved training for Child Benefit purposes even if it is paid.
What Does Not Count?
Child Benefit does not continue if your child is:
- On a paid apprenticeship (except Foundation Apprenticeship in Wales).
- In university or studying for a degree.
- On a course tied to employment.
- In training as part of a job contract.
What You Need to Do
If your child is continuing in approved education or training, you must inform HMRC. You can:
- Use the HMRC online service (sign-in required).
- Call the Child Benefit Helpline: 0300 200 3100.
- Write by post if needed.
If you don’t respond, your Child Benefit will stop automatically on 31 August.
Can I Get an Extension if My Child Leaves Education?
Yes, you may still get Child Benefit for up to 20 weeks after your child leaves approved education/training if they are:
- 16 or 17 years old.
- Working less than 24 hours/week.
- Not receiving certain benefits (like Income Support).
- Registered with a local careers service or signed up to join the armed forces.
You must apply for this within 3 months of your child leaving education.
What About Temporary Breaks?
If your child takes a short break from education (e.g., switching schools or taking a gap between courses), contact HMRC, you may still qualify during the break.
Why It’s Important to Keep Your Claim Updated
Failing to update your Child Benefit claim can lead to:
- Lost payments.
- Overpayments of other linked benefits like Universal Credit, Tax Credits, or Housing Benefit.
- Disruption to National Insurance credits (which can affect your State Pension entitlement).
Extra Support for Families
You may also be eligible for:
- Child Tax Credit (if your child stays in education/training).
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or PIP for children with disabilities.
- Free prescriptions and school meals (depending on income).
Final Checklist
- Look out for the HMRC letter.
- Confirm if your child is staying in education/training.
- Use the online service or contact HMRC by phone or post.
- Keep documentation from your child’s school or college.
- Check your eligibility for a 20-week extension if your child leaves education.
Useful Contacts
- HMRC Child Benefit Helpline: 0300 200 3100.
- Report changes or confirm education plans online: Visit GOV.UK.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure whether your child’s course qualifies or how to report changes, speak to HMRC or seek advice from Citizens Advice.
Don’t Forget
Check if you qualify for fully government-funded home energy improvements through the ECO4 Scheme or the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).
These initiatives help households across the UK upgrade insulation and heating systems, making homes warmer, more energy efficient, and cheaper to run, with no upfront costs if you’re eligible.
Check your eligibility here, it’s quick, free, and could make your home more comfortable before next winter.
People Also Ask
What age does Child Benefit stop for children?
Child Benefit usually ends on 31 August after your child’s 16th birthday. It can continue until they are 20 if they stay in approved education or training. You must tell HMRC if they remain in education, or payments will stop.
Do you still get Child Benefit if you home school?
Yes. You can still claim Child Benefit if your child is home educated, as long as the learning is full-time, non-advanced, and supervised. You must update HMRC with details of your child’s education.
How do I claim Child Benefit?
You can claim Child Benefit online at GOV.UK or by posting a CH2 form to HMRC. For more than two children, include the CH2(CS) form. You’ll need birth certificate details, or the original certificate if the child was born outside England, Scotland, or Wales.
Can both parents get Child Benefit?
No. Only one parent or carer can receive Child Benefit for a child, but you can decide who makes the claim.
How much is Child Benefit?
If you’re eligible, you’ll receive £26.05 a week for your first child and £17.25 for each additional child.
When is Child Benefit paid?
It’s usually paid every 4 weeks, on a Monday or Tuesday, directly into your bank account.
Do I pay tax on Child Benefit?
Yes, if you or your partner earn over £60,000 a year. You’ll need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge.
Can I backdate a Child Benefit claim?
Yes, you can backdate a claim by up to 3 months from when HMRC receives your form.
Does claiming Child Benefit affect other benefits?
Child Benefit doesn’t usually affect other benefits, as it’s not means-tested. It does count towards the Benefit Cap and may trigger the High Income Child Benefit Charge if you earn over £50,000, but it also provides National Insurance credits for your State Pension.
Useful Resources:
Cost of Living Support Available:
- Household Support Fund (England)
- Cost of Living Payments
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
- Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
- Council Tax Reduction
ECO4 Support Available:
- Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Energy Company Obligation
- Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Guidance: Delivery V1.1
- Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
- UK Government, Help from your energy supplier: the Energy Company Obligation
- Which? Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
Other Support Available:
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