Teens meeting two criteria could entitle parents to up to £100 a month

Parents may still qualify for more than £100 each month even after their child surpasses the usual age threshold for Child Benefit. Yet unless parents inform HMRC that they remain eligible, the payments will stop automatically when their child turns 16.

HMRC has issued a reminder to parents with teenagers between 16 and 19 years old, urging them to check their entitlement as the benefit will terminate without intervention. The department stated on X: "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!"

Child Benefit offers financial assistance to those with parenting responsibilities, National Insurance credits for people who might need to cut back on work hours owing to caring duties, and a National Insurance number for the child listed on the application.

For the oldest or sole child, the weekly amount is £26.05, roughly £104 per month, whilst additional children receive £17.25 weekly each. The payments cease automatically in August on or after the child's 16th birthday. Should parents notify HMRC that their child is embarking on approved training or continuing in full-time education, the payments and associated benefits can be extended until the child reaches 20. If the department is not informed, the benefit will cease.

Qualifying education includes:

• A levels or similar, for example International Baccalaureate
• T levels
• GCSEs
• Scottish Highers
• NVQs and most vocational qualifications up to level 3
• home education
• study programmes in England
• a pre-apprenticeship
• Education where you cannot get Child Benefit

Approved training includes:

• Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships or the Jobs Growth Wales+ scheme in Wales
• The No One Left Behind programme in Scotland
• PEACEPLUS Youth Programme 3.2, Training for Success or Skills for Life and Work in Northern Ireland

HMRC defines 'full time' education as more than an average of 12 hours per week of supervised study or course-related work experience. However, if your child has an illness or disability they may be able to complete fewer hours if that is more appropriate for them.

Education and training that doesn’t qualify for extended Child Benefit:

• University degree
• BTEC Higher National Certificate
• Pre-degree course like a foundation diploma
• Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) level 7
• Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
• Training course that is part of a job contract
• Apprenticeships not included in the approved list
• Doing a course with an employer’s agreement

Parents can inform authorities online if their child is continuing in approved education or training beyond the age of 16. These notifications should generally be submitted before August 31 to avoid disruptions in your payments.

More information on extending Child Benefit eligibility can be found on the Gov.uk website.