There will be changes to Child Benefit payments for some families this month.
There are four possible reasons why the amount some people receive may have ended or changed, according to money experts. For some parents or guardians a child aged 16 to 20 may have their benefit stopped at the end of this month, reports the Daily Record.
The benefit is worth £24.00 a week for an eldest or only child and £15.90 a week for any additional children. Only one person can claim it for a child - so you and your partner can't both get it for the same child, for example - but there is no limit to how many children you can claim for.
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If someone is responsible for bringing up a child, who is under 16 or a young person under 20 if they stay in approved education or training, they can usually get Child Benefit from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The benefit is mean-tested, but a household income below £50,000 or any savings don't impact the amount you receive - and you don't need to have paid any National Insurance contributions to get it.
While it is a weekly rate, the benefit is actually paid every four weeks in arrears, either on a Monday or a Tuesday. But in certain circumstances, claimants may find their payment amounts change and not know why.
Money experts at Income Tax have shared the four main reasons why HMRC could reduce or end your Child Benefit entitlement. These are:
- You did not update your details on time
- Your circumstances have changed
- Your child's circumstances have changed
- You have started receiving other benefits
Child Benefit will stop automatically on August 31 after the child turns 16. That is unless you have told HMRC that your child is continuing in full-time education or training, or they are joining the armed forces or a government-sponsored careers programme.
If your child initially stays in education or training but then decides to leave, you will continue to get Child Benefit until whichever of these dates comes first after their 16th birthday:
- The last day in February
- May 31
- August 31
- November 30
If you don't update your details in time, you might still be able to claim Child Benefit, but your payments might be late. If you are receiving other benefits, you might receive less Child Benefit due to the benefit cap.
Child Benefit claimants must inform HMRC of any changes to their or their child's circumstances as soon as possible as this can affect how much they are entitled to - some changes could mean you get more money. More information about Child Benefit can be found on the GOV.UK website.
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