Parents reminded to claim Child Benefit for babies and teenagers

05 June 2026 | posted in Personal tax

If you’re a parent, it’s one of those admin tasks that’s easy to forget, but missing it could cost you hundreds of pounds. Child Benefit is a vital source of support for families, yet many parents unknowingly miss out simply because they don’t realise they need to take action.

Why parents of teenagers must act on Child Benefit this summer

As exam season approaches, HMRC is urging parents and guardians of young people aged 16 to 19 to extend their Child Benefit claim if their teenager plans to continue in approved education or training after completing GCSEs or National 5s.  

Child Benefit payments automatically stop on 31 August following a child’s 16th birthday unless parents confirm their child’s ongoing education or training. To prompt families, HMRC has issued around 1.5 million reminder letters from late April. 

However, parents don’t need to wait for the letter. The online service to extend claims opened on 1 April, allowing families who already know their teenager’s next steps to update their details early through the HMRC app or via GOV.UK. The reminder letters include a QR code linking directly to the service for ease of access. 

Last year, 874,000 parents extended their claim, with more than half choosing to do so online or through the HMRC app, highlighting the growing shift toward digital services. 

Who needs to extend their claim? 

Parents must renew their Child Benefit claim if their teenager will continue in approved education or training, such as: 

• A‑levels or Highers 

• T Levels 

• NVQs up to Level 3 

• Home education (where eligible) 

• Approved unpaid training schemes 

New parents urged to claim Child Benefit for their newborn now

HMRC estimates that as many as one in three families fail to claim Child Benefit during their baby’s first year. Parents who welcomed a baby this spring are urged to claim now via the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK.

HMRC’s data shows that while more than 6.8 million parents received Child Benefit in the year to August 2025, only 68.8% of them claimed the crucial government support before their baby’s first birthday.

It says that more than 140,000 babies were born between April and June last year. And while many parents are enjoying new beginnings this spring, the latest statistics show thousands of families could be missing out on much-needed cash by delaying their claim.

How much is Child Benefit worth? 

Child Benefit remains a meaningful financial boost for many households. Current weekly rates are: 

• £27.05 for the eldest or only child 

• £17.90 for each additional child 

This equates to £1,406.60 per year for the eldest child alone. 

HMRC’s message to families 

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, emphasised the importance of acting early, noting that Child Benefit is “a real financial boost for families.” She encourages parents not to wait for the reminder letter if their teenager already knows their next steps.  “Claiming Child Benefit as soon as possible means your family can benefit from much needed support.”

How Moore can help 

If you need further support on the tax implications of Child Benefit, please get in touch with one of our personal tax advisers today.  

• Corby tax advice: 01536 461900 

• Peterborough tax advice: 01733 397300 

• Northampton tax advice : 01604 654254