Child Benefit recipients must update details, HMRC advises

Last week, thousands of teenagers across the UK received their GSCE or Scottish National Certificate results and are now considering their next steps in education or a career. 

HMRC is reminding parents and carers that if their teens aged 16 and over decide to continue in full-time education or training, they are eligible to continue receiving Child Benefit payments and should confirm their details to avoid missing out on payments.

Letters have been mailed to families receiving Child Benefit notifying parents they must contact HMRC by the end of August if their child is staying in education beyond the age of 16.

Failure to do so will result in their Child Benefit payments being stopped.

The easiest way to update Child Benefit records is via GOV.UK, HMRC advises. Alternatively, parents can return form 297b, which was mailed to them.

Child Benefit is available to carers who are responsible for a child under the age of 20, so long as they are in full-time, non-advanced education or approved training.

Parents or carers receiving Child Benefit and who also have an income over £50,000 (or their partner does), may have to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge via an annual Self Assessment tax return.

HMRC has also reminded parents that if they were receiving Child Benefit, Guardians Allowance or tax credits in a Post Office card account, they must submit their bank account details to receive payments, as HMRC will no longer make payments into Post Office card accounts after 30 November.

HMRC’s helpline (0345 300 3900) is available for customers who need information about making the switch.