As exam results are released around the country today, HM Revenue and Customs is reminding parents that receive Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits to inform them of their child’s educational status ahead of 31 August, otherwise payments will stop.
Customers must contact HMRC to confirm the eligibility of their 16+ child if they are continuing in full-time, non-advanced education, moving into employment or undertaking approved training. Alternatively, if a young person leaves full-time education or training, for example, to start full-time work or because their course has ended, claimants must report this change straight away to prevent an overpayment, which they will have to pay back.
The easiest way to inform HMRC is online via the Personal Tax Account (PTA), where you can update both your Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit information in one simple journey.
Nick Lodge, Director General of Benefits and Credits and Transformation, said:
“This is an exciting time for teenagers and their families as they decide which path they want to choose next. But it’s important that customers let us know what education their son or daughter is undertaking after they turn 16 so that we can ensure they receive the correct benefits.
“This can be done simply and quickly using the Personal Tax Account which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That means that parents can let us know their child’s education status at a time that suits them ahead of 31 August. “
