Kim
A critical deadline is fast approaching for thousands of UK parents and guardians receiving Child Benefit. As of May 31, 2025, many families risk losing weekly payments of £26.05 per child, unless urgent action is taken.
The potential loss of this essential financial support could affect families with children aged 16 and above, especially those who have left school or failed to confirm continued education or training.
Understanding the updated rules and taking timely action is crucial to avoid disruptions in payments.
Child Benefit in 2025 – What You Need to Know
Child Benefit is a regular payment made to parents or guardians responsible for raising children under 16. It can also continue until the child turns 20 if they remain in approved education or training.
As of April 2025, the updated weekly rates are:
| Child | Weekly Rate | 4-Weekly Rate | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| First or only child | £26.05 | £104.20 | £1,354.60 |
| Each additional child | £17.25 | £69.00 | £897.00 |
These increases, though modest, continue to support over 7.6 million families across the UK.
Why Payments May Stop on May 31, 2025
Child Benefit does not continue automatically once your child turns 16. If no action is taken, payments automatically stop at key quarterly cut-off dates—with the next being May 31, 2025.
Here are the key reasons why your payments may stop:
1. Your Child Has Turned 16 and Left Education or Training
Payments end on August 31 following a child’s 16th birthday—unless you confirm they are staying in approved education or training.
If your child left their course in early 2025, your payments are likely to stop by May 31.
2. You Didn’t Respond to HMRC’s Request
Even if your child is still studying, failure to respond to requests for confirmation from HMRC will trigger automatic termination of Child Benefit.
Letters are typically sent out during a child’s final school year. Not replying is treated as a sign the child is no longer eligible.
3. Your Child Completed Their Course
If your child finishes an approved education or training program, your benefits end at the next scheduled quarterly deadline. For most, this will be May 31, 2025.
4. Your Child Is Now in Advanced Education
Once your child begins higher education (like a university degree or equivalent), they are no longer considered eligible. Child Benefit is only available for non-advanced education.
5. Your Child Has Started Paid Work or a Paid Apprenticeship
Child Benefit continues for unpaid approved training, but once a child starts earning a wage in a training program or apprenticeship, eligibility ends.
What Counts as Approved Education or Training?
To continue receiving payments, your child must be enrolled in approved programs. These include:
Approved Education
- Full-time A-Levels, T-Levels, or NVQs (up to level 3)
- Scottish Highers or GCSEs
- Pre-university foundation years (non-advanced)
- Home education (must begin before 16, or be due to special needs)
The course must involve 12 or more hours per week of supervised study and be accepted before your child turns 19.
Approved Training
- Unpaid training schemes in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland
- Must not involve payment or contracts of employment
How to Keep Receiving Your Child Benefit
Here’s how to make sure your payments don’t get stopped unnecessarily:
1. Respond to HMRC Letters or Emails
When asked to confirm your child’s education status, respond immediately with all required information.
2. Notify HMRC Proactively
Even if you haven’t received any letter, you should notify HMRC of your child’s continued eligibility.
You can do this:
- Online via your Government Gateway account
- Using the HMRC mobile app
- By calling the Child Benefit helpline
- By mailing a completed form to HMRC
3. Report Any Changes
If your child switches courses, leaves training, or starts working, you must update HMRC immediately. Overpayments will be reclaimed.
4. Apply for a 20-Week Extension if Eligible
If your child leaves education and registers with a careers service or joins the armed forces, you may qualify for an extension period of up to 20 weeks. Applications must be submitted within 3 months.
How Stopping Child Benefit Affects Other Benefits
The end of Child Benefit can also impact:
- Universal Credit and Tax Credits – These may decrease or stop, as your child will no longer be considered a dependent.
- National Insurance Credits – Even high-income earners should still register to claim credits toward their State Pension.
- Child’s National Insurance Number – Children automatically receive their NI number if registered for Child Benefit before age 16.
Key Dates to Mark
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| May Cut-Off for Education Status | 31 May 2025 |
| Summer End of School Year Termination | 31 August 2025 |
| Next Training Status Check | 30 November 2025 |
With the May 31, 2025 deadline looming, it’s crucial that families act now to maintain their £26.05 weekly Child Benefit payments. Whether your child is still in school, training, or on the verge of higher education, staying informed and keeping HMRC updated ensures you don’t lose this valuable support.
Take action today—because missing this deadline could mean missing out on over £1,300 per year per child in benefits.
FAQs
What if I miss the May 31 deadline?
If you don’t respond in time, your Child Benefit will stop. If your child is still eligible, you can reapply. HMRC may backdate payments up to 3 months.
Can I receive payments if my child is studying part-time?
No. Only full-time education (12+ hours of supervised study) qualifies for Child Benefit.
Will payments continue during school holidays?
Yes, as long as your child intends to return to their course after the break.