Around 1.5 million families are being warned that they could see their Child Benefit payments halted this summer unless they take action. In a nationwide push, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is sending out reminder letters to parents of 16 to 19-year-olds urging them to confirm whether their teenager will stay in education or training after finishing GCSEs or National 5s.

The alert comes as Child Benefit is automatically stopped on August 31 on or after a child’s 16th birthday – unless parents actively extend their claim.

Millions contacted as deadline nears

About 1.5 million letters will land on doormats from early May, but families are being told not to wait. HMRC’s online system has already been open since April 1, allowing parents to renew claims in minutes using the app or via GOV.UK.

Last year alone, 874,000 parents extended their claims, with more than half choosing digital routes.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Child Benefit is a real financial boost for families, so if your teenager already knows they’re staying in education or training after their GCSEs or National 5s, you don’t need to wait for our letter. You can extend your Child Benefit claim today in minutes via the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK.”

What families stand to lose

The payments are worth up to £27.05 a week – or £1,406.60 a year – for the eldest or only child, with £17.90 a week for each additional child.

Failing to act in time could mean families missing out on hundreds – or even thousands – of pounds a year.

Who still qualifies

Child Benefit can continue if a teenager remains in:

• Full-time non-advanced education (more than 12 hours a week of supervised study or work experience)
• Unpaid approved training schemes

However, payments cannot be claimed if the course forms part of a paid job contract. Parents whose children are already on a course previously reported to HMRC do not need to act again.

Watch out for the tax trap

Families should also be aware of the High Income Child Benefit Charge. If either parent earns between £60,000 and £80,000, the higher earner may have to repay some or all of the benefit through the tax system – either via PAYE or Self Assessment.

Key deadline

Parents must confirm their teenager’s plans by August 31 – or risk payments being stopped automatically. With letters arriving from May 8, HMRC is urging families to act early to avoid disruption to their finances.