The UK’s HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued an urgent warning to parents of teenagers aged 16 to 19.
Around 1.5 million households risk losing up to £2,251 per year in Child Benefit payments if they don’t extend their claim by 31 August 2025. Parents have been contacted directly by HMRC, but many still haven’t acted.
This benefit provides essential financial help to families, especially at a time when the cost of living remains high. Missing the deadline will mean payments stop automatically from September, leaving parents scrambling to reapply later.
Here’s everything you need to know about the warning, payment amounts, who qualifies, and how to avoid losing out.
Why Is HMRC Sending Letters?
Every year, Child Benefit claims must be updated when a child turns 16. The benefit continues only if the young person remains in education, approved training, or home education.
To make sure families don’t lose out, HMRC has sent letters to 1.5 million parents reminding them to renew their claim.
Failure to act means payments will stop automatically from September. Parents who reapply later could face delays and gaps in household income.
Key Details at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who is affected | Parents of 16–19 year olds |
| Deadline | 31 August 2025 |
| Action needed | Extend Child Benefit claim online, via HMRC app, or QR code in the letter |
| Number of families written to | 1.5 million |
| Already renewed | Over 509,000 parents |
| Weekly payment (eldest/only child) | £26.05 |
| Yearly payment (eldest/only child) | £1,354.60 |
| Weekly payment (each additional child) | £17.25 |
| Yearly payment (each additional child) | £897 |
| Maximum household loss | Up to £2,251 a year |
| Eligibility | Teenagers in full-time non-advanced education, training, or home-educated |
| High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) | Applies if income is £60,000–£80,000 |
| Extra value | National Insurance credits count towards future state pension |
How Much Could Families Lose?
The potential loss works out like this:
- £1,354.60 a year for an eldest or only child.
- £897 a year for each additional child.
For families with two children, this totals £2,251.60 annually. Missing the deadline means losing this financial support during a crucial school year.
How to Extend the Claim Quickly
HMRC has made the renewal process simple and digital. Parents can:
- Use the HMRC app (downloadable for free).
- Log into their account on GOV.UK.
- Scan the QR code included in the reminder letter.
The process takes only a few minutes, and once confirmed, payments will continue seamlessly from September.
Who Qualifies?
Child Benefit continues beyond age 16 if:
- The teenager is in full-time non-advanced education (such as A-levels, Scottish Highers, or equivalent).
- They are in approved training.
- They are home-educated.
- They cannot attend due to illness or disability, provided the course was accepted before age 19.
This ensures financial help continues through the later teenage years, when costs for parents are often at their highest.
What About High Earners?
If either parent earns between £60,000 and £80,000, the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) applies. This means part or all of the benefit may need to be repaid through tax.
However, parents are still advised to claim Child Benefit because:
- It secures National Insurance credits for the parent responsible for childcare.
- These credits are vital to qualify for a full state pension later in life.
- Even if money is repaid, maintaining the claim avoids losing pension entitlement.
Soon, HMRC will also allow repayment through PAYE tax codes, making the process easier and reducing paperwork.
Why National Insurance Credits Matter
Claiming Child Benefit provides more than just cash payments—it also protects parents’ National Insurance (NI) record. Even those who don’t need or want the money can claim and opt out of receiving the payment, while still collecting NI credits.
Without these credits, parents could end up with gaps in their NI record, leading to a reduced state pension when they retire. Missing one year could cost hundreds of pounds in future pension income.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
- Payments stop automatically in September.
- Families must then reapply, which takes longer to process.
- Income is disrupted at a critical time when teenagers return to school or college.
- Families may also miss out on National Insurance credits for that period.
This is why HMRC is stressing urgent action—the deadline is final.
Tips for Parents
- Act early – don’t wait until the final day.
- Use the app – it’s the fastest and most convenient method.
- Double-check eligibility – confirm your teenager’s education or training qualifies.
- Keep records – save confirmation emails or app messages for peace of mind.
- Re-enroll even if you opted out – families who opted out in the past can restart payments easily online.
The message from HMRC is crystal clear: don’t delay. With £2,251 a year at risk, failing to extend Child Benefit by 31 August 2025 could cause serious financial loss for families.
Thankfully, renewing is quick and easy—most parents can do it in just a few minutes via the HMRC app or online.
Even higher-income families should keep claiming to secure valuable National Insurance credits and protect their state pension.
Teenagers are expensive, and this benefit provides vital support—so take action now, ensure your payments continue, and avoid unnecessary stress in September.
FAQs
What if I already got the letter but did nothing?
If you don’t act by 31 August, payments will stop. You’ll need to reapply, which may delay future payments.
Do I still need to claim if my income is above £60,000?
Yes, because claiming secures National Insurance credits for your pension. Even if you repay through the High Income Child Benefit Charge, keeping the claim is worthwhile.
Can my teenager’s training or home-schooling qualify?
Yes. As long as it’s full-time, non-advanced, or officially recognised, Child Benefit can continue until the child turns 19.