HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has warned families that Child Benefit payments will end after August, 2025, if renewal forms are not submitted. Parents must confirm their teenager’s education or training plans to avoid losing essential financial support. Around 870,000 families renewed last year, securing an average of £1,354 per year for the eldest or only child.
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What Happens if Parents Miss the Deadline
Child Benefit automatically stops when a child turns 16 unless parents notify HMRC that their teenager remains in full-time non-advanced education or approved unpaid training. Families who fail to renew will see payments cease immediately, losing hundreds of pounds per quarter. HMRC has sent 1.5 million reminder letters, but parents can update claims directly online or via the HMRC app without waiting for a letter.
How Much Families Receive
| Child Status | Weekly Rate | Annual Value |
|---|---|---|
| Eldest/Only Child | £26.05 | £1,354.60 |
| Each Additional Child | £17.25 | £897.00 |
A family with two children could receive over £2,250 annually. Timely renewal ensures continued income stability, helping households manage rising living costs.
Who Qualifies for Extended Payments
Parents can continue receiving Child Benefit if their teenager is studying full-time in non-advanced education such as A-levels, GCSEs, or vocational courses. Participation in approved unpaid training also qualifies. Benefits cannot continue if the child enters higher education or starts a course linked to employment.
High Income Child Benefit Charge Explained
- Households with earnings between £60,000 and £80,000 may need to repay part of their Child Benefit.
- Those earning above £80,000 may have the allowance fully offset.
- From summer 2025, repayments can be made through PAYE tax codes, eliminating the need for Self Assessment returns.
- Families who previously opted out can rejoin and restart payments using HMRC online services.
Additional Reminder on Child Trust Funds
Teenagers turning 16 can take control of their Child Trust Fund (CTF) account, created for children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011. Funds remain locked until age 18, but balances can be traced using GOV.UK tools if details are unknown.
| Age Milestone | CTF Access Rules |
|---|---|
| 16 years | Teenager gains control of account |
| 18 years | Money becomes available to withdraw |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When do parents need to renew Child Benefit payments?
By August 31, 2025, to prevent payments from stopping. - How much can families receive per child?
£1,354 annually for the eldest or only child and £897 for each additional child. - Who qualifies for extended Child Benefit?
Teenagers in full-time non-advanced education or approved unpaid training courses. - What happens to families with high income?
The High Income Child Benefit Charge may reduce or eliminate payments for households earning above £60,000. - What is the Child Trust Fund milestone for teenagers?
Teenagers gain control at age 16, and funds become accessible at 18.
