Child Benefit, given to parents of children under the age of 16, is one of the most common benefits in the UK.
The amount has risen for 2023 to 2024 by more than £2 for your eldest or only child and more than £1 for any additional children.
Children over the age of 16, who are in approved education or training, can also claim the benefit.
Keir Starmer has confirmed that a Labour government would keep the Conservatives’ controversial two-child benefits cap, saying yesterday (Sunday, July 16) that he was “not changing that policy”, when asked if he would scrap it should Labour win the next election on a BBC interview.
Yvette Cooper has since leaped to the defence of the plan, which has previously been blamed for pushing families into poverty.
The shadow home secretary insisted Labour must be “clear about what we can fund” as she emphasised the party’s focus on economic responsibility.
Asked about this on Monday (July 17), Ms Cooper told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “What Labour’s been clear about is we have to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and we also will always make sure that the proposals we put forward are fully costed and funded so that we can actually deliver them, and I think that’s what people want to see.”
Labour had previously come under fresh pressure to promise to scrap the cap after it emerged that one in four children in some of England and Wales’s poorest parliamentary constituencies live in families left at least £3,000 a year out of pocket as a result.
If your child is turning 16 this academic year, here’s when you can expect your Child Benefit payments to stop and how you can apply for an extension.
The allowance equals to £21.80 a week for your eldest or only child, and £14.45 for any additional children.
Children over the age of 16, who are in approved education or training, can also claim the benefit.
If your child is turning 16 this academic year, here’s when you can expect your Child Benefit payments to stop and how you can apply for an extension.
When does Child Benefit stop?
Child Benefit ends on August 31 on or after your child’s 16th birthday if they leave education or training.
Payments will continue if they stay in approved education or training, but you must tell the Child Benefit office.
Your child must be accepted onto the course before they turn 19. You’ll be sent a letter in your child’s last year at school, asking you to confirm their plans.
The education and training your child continues with must be more than an average of 12 hours a week supervised study or course-related work experience.
Courses are not approved if paid for by an employer or ‘advanced’, for example, a university degree or BTEC Higher National Certificate.
How to apply for an extension
After their education and training ends, your child may still be eligible for Child Benefit for 20 more weeks, called an ‘extension’.
This applies to your child if they signed up to join the armed forces or registered with their local careers service.
You can apply for an extension online or by contacting HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Likewise, you might still get Child Benefit if your child takes a break in their education or training, for example, if they change college.
The Child Benefit office must be made aware of the break.
