Child benefit and child tax credit stop for 16-year-olds on 31 August

… unless your child is still in education or training. But you will need to contact HMRC. 

 Child benefit stops on the 31 August on or after the child’s 16th birthday if they leave education or training. The same applies to child tax credit (CTC). 

 These benefits can continue if the child stays in approved education or training – but the parent or other claimant must tell the Child Benefit Office and/or the Tax Credit Office at HMRC.  

 Failure to do this can result in payments of child benefit and CTC reducing, or stopping altogether if payment is for a single child only.  

Reporting changes to the Child Benefit Office

You can tell the Child Benefit Office about any changes or ask for advice:

• online, by using the link here
• by calling the Child Benefit Helpline (see here for details)

You can also write to:

Child Benefit Office
PO Box 1
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
NE88 1AA