Teen GCSE Results In – Parents Beware: Child Benefit Could Stop!
Teenagers across the UK have just received their GCSE or Scottish National Certificate results. With futures up in the air, many parents need to act fast to keep their Child Benefit payments coming.
Stay in Education? Update HMRC or Lose Cash!
HMRC has sent out reminder letters to parents and carers of kids in their last year of school or home education. If your child is staying on past 16 in full-time education or training, you must let HMRC know by the end of August. Miss the deadline, and your Child Benefit will be stopped.
Updating your details is easy. You can do it online via GOV.UK or simply return the 297b form HMRC sent you.
Who Qualifies for Child Benefit?
- Payments go to eligible parents/carers responsible for a child under 16.
- Or under 20 if the child is in full-time non-advanced education or approved training.
- Beware: If you or your partner earn over £50,000, you may face the High Income Child Benefit Charge through your annual Self Assessment tax return.
Post Office Card Accounts Are Out – Switch Now!
Big heads-up: Post Office card accounts will close after 30 November 2021. HMRC will stop paying Child Benefit, Guardians Allowance, and tax credits into these accounts after this date.
If you’re using one, hurry up and update HMRC with your new bank, building society, or credit union details. Don’t get caught short – act now to keep payments flowing!
Need help? Call HMRC on 0345 300 3900 or use your Personal Tax Account online. For bank account setup tips, visit Citizens Advice.
