DWP Warns Child Benefit Payments Will Stop After August 31 Deadline
The DWP (HM Revenue & Customs) is urgently reminding families to act now—extend your child benefit claim by 31 August 2025.
Failing to do so will result in payments being automatically stopped, potentially cutting off hundreds of pounds in vital support each year. This message coincides with GCSE results week, making timely action more critical than ever.
Why You Must Act Now
Parents of teens aged 16 to 19, continuing in full-time education or approved training, need to extend their claim before 31 August, or Child Benefit payments will cease automatically.
More than 509,000 parents have already extended their claims—67% did it online, setting a record for digital renewals.
Benefit Values & Contact Notices
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Weekly Payment | £26.05 per week (eldest/only child), £17.25 per week (each additional child) |
| Annual Equivalent | £1,354.60 per year (eldest/only child), £897 per year (each additional child) |
| Number of Parents Contacted | 1.5 million eligible parents received reminders |
| Deadline | 31 August 2025—claims not extended by this date will stop automatically |
| Extension Methods | Via HMRC app, online digital service, or QR code in reminder letters |
| Additional Features | National Insurance credits for children under 12; high-income charge applies if income between £60k–£80k |
How to Extend—Fast and Easy
The fastest way to ensure continued payments is via the HMRC app or online digital service. A QR code included in reminder letters also takes you straight to the relevant page.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, emphasizes the importance:
“Teenagers can be expensive and Child Benefit is an important source of income for your household. As soon as you know what your teen is doing in September, don’t miss out. You can extend your claim in minutes…”
Who’s Eligible, Who’s Not
Families with children in full‑time non‑advanced education or unpaid approved training are eligible to extend—see GOV.UK for the full list of qualifying courses.
Parents earning £60,000–£80,000 may face the High Income Child Benefit Charge, but can use HMRC’s online tax calculator to estimate the benefit and charge.
A new digital service will soon allow paying the charge via PAYE, reducing paperwork—but filing via Self Assessment remains an option. Families who previously opted out can opt back in easily via the app or online.
Time is running out—parents of teenagers continuing in education or training must extend their Child Benefit claim by 31 August 2025 to avoid losing automatic payments worth up to £1,354 annually.
The process is quick via the HMRC app, online, or QR code, and over half a million claims have already been renewed. Act now to keep financial support flowing through the new school term.
