Starting June 2025, thousands of UK parents could see their Child Benefit payments come to an unexpected halt. If your child is turning 16 this year, your household may be among those affected. But don’t panic—there’s still time to take action and secure your payments before the looming deadline.
HMRC has issued a nationwide alert, urging families to respond before the end of May 2025. This latest change isn’t new policy—it’s a reminder of how the system works when children reach a certain age. Still, many parents are caught off guard each year and lose benefits simply because they missed a critical update.
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Why Your Child Benefit Might Stop in June
Child Benefit automatically ends on August 31 following your child’s 16th birthday—unless you notify HMRC that they’re continuing in approved education or training.
This doesn’t mean you’re no longer entitled. It means you have to confirm that your child is enrolled in one of the following:
- Full-time education (e.g., A-levels, T Levels, Scottish Highers)
- Apprenticeship programs
- Other approved training schemes
If HMRC doesn’t receive your confirmation by May 31, payments will stop from June 1—and that’s a sudden blow many families can’t afford.
How Much Is at Stake? Child Benefit 2025 Rates
Here’s what you’d be missing if payments stop:
| Type of Child | Weekly Rate | Monthly Total (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Eldest or only child | £26.05 | £104.20 |
| Additional children | £17.25 | £69.00 |
These amounts are tax-free and can make a real difference when managing groceries, school supplies, or rising utility costs. Imagine losing £100+ each month simply because of a missed notification.
Child Benefit Update: Income Threshold Changes in 2025
New from April 2025: the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) threshold has increased to £60,000, with full repayment kicking in at £80,000. That’s good news for middle-income households who may have previously opted out of Child Benefit.
Now, more families are reapplying—but some may not realize that opting back in requires the same education confirmations when your child turns 16. A missed form here could mean no payments, even if your income qualifies you to receive them again.
How to Keep Your Child Benefit Running Smoothly
Avoid the last-minute panic. Follow these simple steps:
- Check your child’s age: Are they turning 16 before August 31, 2025?
- Ask about their plans: Will they continue in full-time education or training?
- Log into your HMRC account: Update their education status online.
- Set a reminder: Do this by May 31, 2025 to avoid payment gaps.
Many parents assume schools automatically update HMRC—they don’t. It’s your responsibility to take action.
Common Mistakes That Could Cut Off Your Child Benefit
Parents often make small errors that lead to big payment issues. Here’s what to avoid:
- Assuming benefit continues automatically after 16
- Forgetting to update HMRC when a child starts college
- Changing addresses and missing HMRC letters
- Thinking higher income always means you’re ineligible
Even if your income exceeds the HICBC threshold, claiming Child Benefit can still make sense, especially if your partner earns less or if you want to build your National Insurance credits..
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Final Reminder: Don’t Wait – Update Now
Thousands of families are expected to be impacted in June. Many of them won’t know until the payment disappears from their bank account.
Be proactive. Log in, confirm your child’s education, and secure your Child Benefit today. It only takes a few minutes—and could save you hundreds of pounds over the year.