HMRC has issued a contemporary alert
Martin Lewis explains who’s eligible for Youngster Profit
Hundreds of thousands of fogeys threat shedding out on important money help until they act rapidly when their baby turns 16, as HMRC points a contemporary warning.
The tax authority says households can proceed receiving Youngster Profit for youngsters aged 16 to 19 – however provided that they comply with strict guidelines and notify officers in time.
In a social media alert, HMRC mentioned: “Is your baby aged 16–19 and staying in full-time schooling or authorised coaching? You possibly can preserve getting Youngster Profit till they flip 20.”
Nevertheless, crucially, funds don’t proceed routinely. Dad and mom should inform HMRC that their baby is staying in schooling or coaching – both on-line or by way of the HMRC app – or threat seeing funds stopped altogether.
Funds can cease routinely
HMRC has issued a contemporary alert (Picture: Getty) Get private finance information, cash saving ideas and recommendation plus selcted affords and competitions Subscribe Invalid electronic mail
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Underneath the principles, Youngster Profit will routinely stop on August 31 on or after a toddler’s sixteenth birthday if:
This implies hundreds of households might be caught out annually just by lacking the deadline or failing to reply to HMRC letters despatched throughout a toddler’s last faculty 12 months.
Dad and mom can proceed claiming if their baby stays in full-time non-advanced schooling, outlined as greater than 12 hours every week of supervised research or work expertise.
Eligible programs embody:
- A-levels or equal (such because the Worldwide Baccalaureate)
- T-levels
- GCSEs and Scottish Highers
- NVQs and vocational {qualifications} as much as stage 3
- House schooling and research programmes
- Pre-apprenticeships
- Unpaid “authorised coaching” schemes may additionally qualify, relying on the programme and site within the UK.
Who does NOT qualify
Dad and mom can’t declare Youngster Profit if their baby strikes into increased schooling or paid work-based coaching.
This consists of:
- College levels
- Increased Nationwide Certificates (HNCs) and Diplomas (HNDs)
- Basis or access-to-higher-education programs
- Most apprenticeships
- Employer-funded coaching linked to a job
Is your baby aged 16–19 and staying in full-time schooling or authorised coaching? ??????
You possibly can preserve getting Youngster Profit till they flip 20! ??????
Inform HMRC by way of the HMRC app or on-line ??????
Discover out extra right here. ??????https://t.co/xavrEg2Wlg
Cymraeg ??????????????????????????????????????????
Ydy’ch plentyn rhwng 16 a 19 oed… pic.twitter.com/TMKNSEnDUg
— HM Income & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) April 17, 2026
Threat of repayments
HMRC warns that failing to replace particulars might additionally go away households with surprising money owed.
If funds proceed after a toddler leaves schooling or coaching, dad and mom could also be pressured to repay the cash.
Funds often cease at set factors within the 12 months – the tip of February, Might, August or November – relying on when the kid finishes their course.
Further help out there
There may be some flexibility for households in transition.
Dad and mom might be able to declare an extension of as much as 20 weeks if their baby leaves schooling or coaching however registers with a careers service or the armed forces.
To qualify, the kid should be aged 16 or 17, work fewer than 24 hours every week and never declare sure advantages similar to Common Credit score.
Take motion now
The important thing message from HMRC is evident: don’t assume funds will proceed.
Dad and mom should actively verify their baby’s schooling or coaching standing – or threat shedding out on help value a whole bunch and even hundreds of kilos a 12 months. Extra particulars might be discovered right here.
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