Millions could be missing out on hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds because they do not understand the rules around Child Benefit.

The HMRC has issued a fresh alert to households with children aged 16 to 19, stressing payments do not have to stop at 16 – as long as strict conditions are met. In an X post, HMRC said: “Is your child aged 16–19 and staying in full-time education or approved training? You can keep getting Child Benefit until they turn 20!”

Don’t miss out on payments

Parents must actively confirm their child is continuing in education or training – or risk their payments being cut off automatically.

Child Benefit will stop on August 31 after a child turns 16 unless HMRC is told they are staying on in qualifying education or training.

This means thousands could be losing money simply by failing to update their details.

To continue receiving payments, parents must confirm their child:

• Is in full-time non-advanced education (more than 12 hours a week)
• Or is undertaking approved unpaid training
• Was accepted onto the course before turning 19
• Is not claiming Universal Credit

What counts – and what doesn’t

Eligible courses include:

• A-levels, T-levels and GCSEs
• International Baccalaureate
• Scottish Highers
• NVQs and vocational qualifications up to level 3
• Home education and study programmes

Crucially, university degrees and higher education courses do nor qualify, meaning payments will stop if a child progresses to university.

Apprenticeships are also excluded in most cases, unless they fall under specific approved schemes.

Risk of having to pay money back

HMRC is warning parents to keep their information up to date – or face clawbacks.

If a child leaves education early and this is not reported, any continued payments may have to be repaid.

Likewise, if parents fail to confirm their child’s plans, payments will stop automatically – potentially leaving families out of pocket.

Extra support available

There is also a little-known boost available for some families.

Parents may be able to claim up to 20 extra weeks of Child Benefit if their child:

• Is aged 16 or 17
• Leaves education or training
• Registers with a careers service or the armed forces
• Works less than 24 hours a week

However, this extension must be claimed within three months.

How to keep the cash flowing

Parents can update their child’s status quickly via:

• The HMRC app
• Online through GOV.UK
• Or by contacting HMRC directly

Details can be found here.