Understanding when Child Benefit ends is essential for parents and guardians planning their family finances. In the UK, Child Benefit typically stops on 31 August following a child’s 16th birthday unless they remain in approved education or training.
This guide explains the key dates, eligibility criteria, and steps required to maintain or end claims correctly. By staying informed, parents can ensure they meet HMRC’s requirements and avoid disruptions to their Child Benefit payments.
What is Child Benefit and Who Qualifies for It in the UK?
Child Benefit is a regular payment made to parents or guardians responsible for a child. It helps with the financial costs of raising children in the UK.
This benefit is not means-tested, meaning it is available regardless of income, although high earners may have to repay some through the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
Eligibility is primarily based on the age of the child. A person qualifies if they are responsible for a child who is:
- Under the age of 16
- Aged 16 to 20 and in approved education or training
Responsibility generally means the child lives with the claimant or that the claimant spends more on the child’s upkeep than anyone else.
Importantly, only one person can claim Child Benefit for a child at any given time, even in shared custody situations.
Besides the regular payment, those who claim Child Benefit receive National Insurance credits if their child is under 12, which can help them qualify for the State Pension in the future.
Even if payments are opted out of for tax reasons, claiming Child Benefit ensures access to these credits and a National Insurance number for the child, which is automatically issued before they turn 16.
When Does Child Benefit Typically End for Most Children?
In most cases, Child Benefit ends on the 31st of August after the child turns 16. This date corresponds with the end of the academic year, ensuring consistency across school leavers.
If the child is not continuing in any form of approved education or training, the benefit ends automatically on this date. HMRC does not require notification in these standard scenarios, but parents should still be aware of the timing to adjust their financial planning.
This automatic stop occurs regardless of when during the year the child turns 16. For example, if a child’s birthday is in January, payments still continue until 31 August.
Can You Still Receive Child Benefit After Your Child Turns 16?
Yes, parents and guardians can continue receiving Child Benefit until the child turns 20, provided they stay in approved education or training. HMRC considers certain types of courses and training acceptable for this purpose.
Approved education includes:
- A-levels
- T Levels
- NVQs up to Level 3
- Scottish Highers
- Home education (started before the child turned 16 or due to special needs)
Training programs that are unpaid and government-recognised also qualify, such as:
- Traineeships (England and Wales)
- Employability Fund (Scotland)
- Skills for Work (Northern Ireland)
However, Child Benefit will not continue if the child starts:
- University or other higher education
- A paid apprenticeship
- A job with 24 hours or more of work per week
Parents must inform HMRC if the child is staying in education. HMRC sends a form, usually in the school year the child turns 16, to confirm the child’s intentions. Without this confirmation, payments will stop automatically on 31 August.
What Happens If Your Child Leaves Education or Training?
When a child leaves approved education or training before they turn 20, Child Benefit does not stop immediately. Instead, HMRC applies a structured system using quarterly end dates. This allows families a short transition period to prepare for the end of payments.
The key quarterly stop dates used by HMRC are:
- 28 February
- 31 May
- 31 August
- 30 November
This means that if your child leaves their course partway through a term or academic year, Child Benefit will continue until the next applicable quarter, even if their course has already ended. For example, if your child drops out of college in April, Child Benefit would continue until 31 May, unless you inform HMRC earlier.
Example Scenarios
- If your child leaves education in January, Child Benefit continues until 28 February
- If they leave in March, it runs until 31 May
- If they leave in June or July, it stops on 31 August
It’s important to understand that parents or guardians must notify HMRC when their child leaves education or training. You should not wait for the next quarterly date to act. If you delay reporting, you could receive overpayments which HMRC may ask you to repay.
Reasons You Must Report a Child Leaving Education
- They have completed or dropped out of their course
- They switch to a non-approved course or training
- They begin working more than 24 hours a week in paid employment
- They start a full-time apprenticeship that is not approved for Child Benefit
- They start university or another higher education programme
If your child is switching courses or institutions but remains in approved education or training, you should still inform HMRC. Depending on the details, they may request additional documentation to confirm continued eligibility.
Failing to report a change in your child’s education status can affect not just Child Benefit, but also other linked benefits such as Universal Credit, Tax Credits, and National Insurance credits.
Keeping your records up to date ensures you’re not paid more than you’re entitled to, avoiding future penalties or repayment demands.
In some cases, families may be eligible for a 20-week extension if the child leaves education but registers with a government-sponsored careers service or armed forces office. This temporary extension provides continued support while the child transitions into employment or training.
Maintaining communication with HMRC and acting promptly is essential. You can notify them online, by post, or by calling the Child Benefit Helpline. Having details such as the school name, course title, and date of withdrawal on hand can make the process quicker and smoother.
What Forms Do You Need to Extend Child Benefit Past Age 16?
The key form used to confirm your child’s continuation in education or training is CH297. This form is typically sent by HMRC between May and July in the year your child turns 16. If the form is not received, it can be requested again or completed online through the official GOV.UK portal.
Important details to include in the form:
- Name and address of the school or college
- Type and level of the course
- Expected start and end dates
To ensure uninterrupted payments, the form should be submitted before 31 August. If the form is delayed or incomplete, Child Benefit may stop even if the child remains in education.
How Do You Notify HMRC About Your Child’s Education Status?
Parents or guardians must actively notify HMRC if their child stays in education past the age of 16. This is a crucial step to ensure Child Benefit continues.
You can notify HMRC through:
- Online: Using your Government Gateway account
- By phone: Calling the Child Benefit Helpline
- By post: Sending the CH297 form to the address provided
Documentation required may include proof of enrolment or confirmation from the school or training provider. It’s advisable to keep a copy of all submitted documents and confirmation emails or letters for future reference.
Once the child completes their course or leaves early, parents must again notify HMRC to prevent overpayment.
Are There Exceptions to the Child Benefit End Date?
Although the standard rules are clear, there are exceptions where Child Benefit can continue beyond normal conditions or be reinstated temporarily.
One such exception is the 20-week extension. This applies when a child:
- Is aged 16 or 17
- Leaves education or training
- Registers with an armed forces careers office or a government-sponsored careers service (like the Jobcentre)
During these 20 weeks, Child Benefit continues, providing a cushion while the child transitions into work or training.
Other circumstances where benefit may continue or require special handling include:
- The child is home-educated for medical reasons or due to special needs
- The child moves abroad temporarily but remains dependent
- The child is in shared custody arrangements, and there’s a change in the main carer
Any of these situations should be discussed with HMRC directly to assess ongoing eligibility.
What Are the Key Dates UK Parents Should Keep in Mind?
Understanding key dates helps parents manage their Child Benefit claims correctly. Missing a deadline or failing to respond to HMRC’s correspondence could result in payment stoppages.
Important Dates and Deadlines for Child Benefit
| Event | Date or Deadline |
| Child turns 16 | Continue only if in education |
| Automatic stop date | 31 August after 16th birthday |
| CH297 submission | Before 31 August |
| School leaver notification deadline | Before next quarter-end |
| Quarterly payment stop points | 28 Feb, 31 May, 31 Aug, 30 Nov |
Planning around these dates ensures continued eligibility and avoids disruption to payments. It’s recommended to set calendar reminders or sign up for HMRC alerts where possible.
How Does Ending Child Benefit Affect Other Benefits and Finances?
Ending Child Benefit can have wider implications, especially for families on low incomes or those planning for retirement.
Some key impacts include:
- Loss of National Insurance credits: These are automatically given when claiming Child Benefit for children under 12. If the claim ends, so do the credits unless transferred to another eligible adult.
- Effect on Universal Credit or Tax Credits: Child Benefit can influence eligibility and amounts received from other benefits.
- Budgeting adjustments: Once the benefit ends, families may experience a financial gap, particularly if multiple children are involved.
If the parent does not need the NI credits (for example, they are working full-time), they can choose to transfer these credits to a spouse, partner, or another family member providing care. This is known as Specified Adult Childcare credits.
It’s important to report any changes in household or child circumstances to HMRC to maintain accuracy across all benefit entitlements and avoid overpayments.
Conclusion
Knowing exactly when Child Benefit ends allows families to prepare for changes in household income.
Whether your child continues in education or leaves school, informing HMRC promptly is crucial to keeping claims accurate and avoiding overpayments.
With clear guidelines and specific deadlines, parents can stay in control of their benefits and make informed decisions. Understanding your obligations ensures continued support where eligible and a smoother transition as your child becomes more independent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child’s education is HMRC-approved?
Approved education includes courses like A-levels, NVQs, and T Levels that involve more than 12 hours of supervised study per week. University courses do not qualify.
Will Child Benefit continue during school holidays?
Yes, as long as the child remains enrolled in an approved course and intends to return after the holidays.
What if my child gets a job while studying?
They can work part-time, but if they start working 24 hours or more per week, Child Benefit stops.
Can I restart Child Benefit if my child re-enrols in education?
Yes, if your child returns to an approved course, you can apply to resume payments, provided they are under 20.
How long does HMRC take to process the CH297 form?
Typically within a few weeks. It’s best to send it as early as possible to avoid interruptions.
Is home education acceptable for Child Benefit purposes?
Yes, if it began before the child turned 16 or due to special needs. You must notify HMRC with relevant details.
What happens if I forget to tell HMRC about my child’s education plans?
Child Benefit will stop automatically after 31 August. You might also face repayment demands for any overpaid amounts.
