Shropshire families urged to extend Child Benefit before 31 August
News from our partners: HMRC
Shropshire Council is sharing advice from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to help local families make sure they continue receiving Child Benefit if their teenager is staying in education or approved training after GCSEs.
Parents and carers of 16 to 19-year-olds have until 31 August to tell HMRC if their child will continue in non-advanced approved education or training. If they do not respond by the deadline, Child Benefit payments will stop automatically.
Parents have until 31 August to extend their Child Benefit claim. It’s quick and easy to use the HMRC app or on GOV.UK. Those who received a letter from HMRC can also scan the QR code to go straight to the digital service.
For families whose teenager is staying in non-advanced approved education or training, Child Benefit can continue, but only if parents act before 31 August.
Parents can extend their claim in minutes using the HMRC app or on GOV.UK. Those who received a letter from HMRC can also scan the QR code to go straight to the digital service. Payments will stop automatically for anyone who hasn’t responded by the deadline.
More than 372,000 parents have already extended their Child Benefit payment digitally ahead of the deadline.
Councillor Andy Hall, Shropshire Council’s portfolio holder for Children and Education, said:
“GCSE results are an important moment for young people and their families, as they think about sixth form, college or approved training. We want parents and carers in Shropshire to know that if their teenager is continuing in education or training, they must update their Child Benefit claim before 31 August so they do not miss out on support they are entitled to.
“We know household budgets remain under pressure, so I would also encourage anyone who is worried about money or essential costs to look at the wider cost-of-living support available through Shropshire Council and our partners. Please do not wait until things become unmanageable — help may be available.”
Child Benefit is worth up to £1,406.60 a year for the eldest or only child, and up to £930.80 a year for each additional child.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, added:
“Exam results season is a big moment for teenagers deciding their next steps, and it’s the perfect time for parents to confirm those plans with us.
“Child Benefit is a vital source of support for many families, and we don’t want anyone to miss out. It only takes a few minutes using the HMRC app or GOV.UK, so make sure you’re receiving the payments you’re entitled to.”
Child Benefit continues for children in full-time, non-advanced education, including A levels, T levels, Scottish Highers, NVQs up to level 3, and certain approved training schemes. A full list of approved education routes is available on GOV.UK.
Parents whose child’s plans change, for example if they leave education or start a paid apprenticeship, must tell HMRC straight away to avoid being overpaid.
Cost-of-living support from Shropshire Council
Shropshire Council also provides wider cost-of-living support for residents, including help with Council Tax, benefits, housing costs, debt and budgeting advice, energy bills, heating oil, food, transport, Blue Badges and other essential services. Residents can find support at www.shropshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living-help
Alternatively, call 0345 678 9012 option 0 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, or speak to our friendly team in person at Shropshire Local:
Shropshire Local is at The Guildhall in Shrewsbury, weekdays between 9.30am and 5pm: https://next.shropshire.gov.uk/customer-services/shropshire-local-shrewsbury/
And at Ludlow Library, weekdays (except Thursday) between 9.30am and 5pm: https://next.shropshire.gov.uk/customer-services/shropshire-local-ludlow/
The Shropshire Local Mobile team visit locations across Shropshire, including: Bridgnorth; Oswestry; Whitchurch; Market Drayton; Bishop’s Castle; Shifnal; Highley; Albrighton; Broseley; and Ellesmere. For dates and locations, visit: https://next.shropshire.gov.uk/customer-services/shropshire-local-mobile/
