HMRC warns 1.4m parents 'don't lose out' on free cash

Over a million parents of older teenagers could see their Child Benefit payments from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) stop at the end of this summer, if they do not update the taxman on what their child's plans are after the age of 16.

The benefit is worth £1,331 for your first child and £881 for your second, providing much-needed financial support for everything from school clothing to putting three square meals on the table - but if your child is 16 or over, you could lose this money by August 31.

Parents of 16 to 19-year-olds can still get Child Benefit if their teenager is continuing in some form of education or training, but they have to tell HMRC about their further education plans to retain the payments. From this week until the middle of July, letters will be sent to the 1.4 million people whose benefit payments could stop.

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Informing HMRC about your child's circumstances is a quick process, with a QR code coming with the letter so that you can scan and go straight to the right gov.uk webpage.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: "Child Benefit is an important financial support for many families, so make sure you don’t miss out on any payments if your teenager intends to continue approved education or training. You can quickly and easily extend your claim online or via the HMRC app, just search ‘Child Benefit when your child turns 16’ on GOV.UK."

Who can claim Child Benefit for young adults?

HMRC says that Child Benefit can continue to be paid for children who are studying full time in approved non-advanced education, which includes:

• A levels or Scottish Highers

• International Baccalaureate

• home education - if it started before their child turned 16, or after 16 if they have a statement of special educational needs and it was assessed by the local authority

• T levels

• NVQs, up to level 3.

Parents can view and manage their claim quickly and easily online or on the HMRC app. This includes viewing payment information and proof of their claim, adding additional children and updating their details – all without needing to call HMRC.

You cannot update HMRC until you have received your letter, so keep an eye out for any brown envelopes coming through the letter box.