Don’t Miss Out on Child Benefit After 16
If your child is turning 16 soon, you may need to act to keep receiving Child Benefit. Payments don’t stop automatically at their birthday, but if they’re leaving school or approved training, you’ll need to update HMRC.
Here’s everything you need to know about continuing support, what qualifies as education and how to keep your loan repayments on track if you currently pay Northern Community Bank with Child Benefit.
When Does Child Benefit Stop?
It usually ends on 31st August after your child turns 16, unless they’re staying in approved education or training but you will need to update HMRC.
Can Child Benefit Continue After 16?
Yes, it can continue until your child is 20 if they remain in eligible education or training and you notify HMRC.
What Counts as ‘Approved Education’?
Full time courses like A Levels, NVQs up to Level 3 and traineeships qualify. University level or employer funded courses do not.
Home Education
This can also qualify if it started before your child turned 16 or after, if they have special needs.
Child Benefit & Your Loan Repayments
If you repay your loan via Child Benefit and those payments are due to stop, contact us to arrange a standing order instead.
Key Dates Other Reasons Child Benefit May End
Child Benefit stops at the end of February, May, August or November (whichever comes first) depending on your child’s next steps. Let HMRC know if they:
- Leave approved education
- Start full-time work (24+ hours/week)
- Begin higher education
- Claim Universal Credit
- Turn 20
Will This Affect Other Benefits?
Yes, Child Tax Credit may also stop unless you update HMRC about ongoing education.
