Child Benefit Payments to Cease for Thousands of Parents on May 31st: Thousands of UK parents are set to lose their Child Benefit payments on May 31st, 2025. This significant change primarily affects families with children aged 16 or older who are continuing in full-time education or training. Here’s everything you need to know to prevent payment disruptions and maintain your benefits.
Why Are Child Benefit Payments Ending?
Child Benefit payments are scheduled to stop on May 31st, 2025, for families whose children have recently turned 16. This cessation occurs if the child is not continuing in approved education or training and the parent has not notified HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about the child’s status.
- What Triggers Payment Cessation?
- Child turns 16 and has left full-time education or training.
- HMRC is not informed that the child is still in full-time education or training.
- Failure to update child’s educational status by the May 31st deadline.
To avoid losing payments, parents must confirm their child’s educational or training status with HMRC promptly.
Who Is Affected?
The changes specifically impact:
- Parents of children who turned 16 years old and are still in full-time education or training.
- Families who have not updated their child’s educational status with HMRC.
- Parents of children who have completed approved training courses but have not communicated the next steps to HMRC.
How to Continue Receiving Child Benefit Payments
To prevent your Child Benefit payments from ceasing, take the following steps:
- Contact HMRC:
- Log in to your HMRC account or call their helpline to update your child’s educational status.
- Provide Educational Details:
- Prepare information about your child’s course, institution, and expected graduation date.
- Meet the Deadline:
- Ensure that all information is submitted to HMRC before May 31st, 2025.
- Monitor Your Payments:
- Regularly check your payment status to confirm that benefits are still active.
Current Child Benefit Payment Rates (2025)
Child Benefit is paid every four weeks. The current rates are:
- First Child: £26.05 per week
- Additional Children: £17.25 per week
Parents earning over £60,000 annually may be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge, potentially reducing or eliminating their benefit entitlement.
Additional Considerations:
- National Insurance Credits:
- Even if you opt out of receiving payments, claiming Child Benefit can still provide National Insurance credits, contributing to your State Pension.
- High-Income Child Benefit Charge:
- If you or your partner’s income exceeds £60,000, you may need to repay some or all of the benefits received.
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FAQs – Child Benefit Payments to Cease for Thousands of Parents on May 31st
Q1: Why are Child Benefit payments stopping for some parents on May 31st?
Payments are ending for parents who have not updated HMRC about their child’s continued education or training after turning 16.
Q2: How do I notify HMRC of my child’s educational status?
You can update HMRC online through your HMRC account or by calling their helpline.
Q3: What happens if I miss the May 31st deadline?
You may still apply to reinstate your payments, but expect delays. Payments will resume only after HMRC verifies the child’s educational status.
Q4: What is the High Income Child Benefit Charge?
This charge applies to households where one parent earns over £60,000 annually. It can reduce or cancel the benefit amount.
Q5: Are there exceptions for children with disabilities?
Yes, parents of children with disabilities may be eligible for extended Child Benefit payments, even after the child turns 16
For further details or to update your child’s status, visit the official HMRC Child Benefit page. Act now to avoid payment interruptions.
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