HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding parents and carers they only have until Tuesday, August 31 to confirm whether their teenagers are staying in full-time education or training beyond the age of 16.
Earlier this month, teens across Scotland and the rest of the UK received their Scottish National Certificate and GCSE results, with many now considering their future options. If they decide to continue in full-time education or training, parents and carers will be eligible to continue receiving Child Benefit payments for their child.
HMRC sends letters to families receiving Child Benefit for their child in the last year of school or home education reminding them that if their child is staying in education beyond the age of 16, HMRC must be notified before the August 31 deadline - or payments could stop.
It is quick and easy to update Child Benefit records on the GOV.UK website here.
Alternatively, parents or carers can simply return the 297b form sent to them by HMRC.
Child Benefit is paid to eligible parents or carers who are responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they are in full-time, non-advanced education or approved training.
Parents or carers receiving Child Benefit and who also have an income over £50,000 - or their partner does - may have to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge via an annual Self Assessment tax return.
HMRC is also reminding customers that Post Office Card accounts are closing and that from November 30, 2021 it will stop making payments of Child Benefit, Guardian’s Allowance and Tax Credits, into these accounts.
Anyone still using the Post Office to collect benefit payments is advised to contact HMRC with their new bank, building society or credit union account details as soon as possible - find out more about this here.
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