When Does Child Benefit Stop?
By
HuutiMoney
Child Benefit is designed to help families with the costs of raising children enabling parents to claim the living expense for each child they are responsible for. This article provides an overview of the circumstances under which Child Benefit stops while discussing the benefits system; including who is eligible and who is not, how the benefit is paid, and how to claim it.
When Does Child Benefit Stop?
Child Benefit usually stops on August 31st after the 16th birthday of your child. In certain exceptional cases, it can be extended until they are 19 or 20 years of age.
Under regular circumstances, Child Benefit can be claimed for children up to the age of 16, or 19 if they are in approved training or are full-time students. The benefit is usually paid until the child reaches the age of 16, but it can be extended if the child is in an apprenticeship or has a disability.
However, if your child leaves their full-time education temporarily and starts working, your Child Benefit payments will stop. However, once they resume full-time education, you can reclaim your Child Benefit.
Similarly, if your child meets the full-time education criteria but is claiming any of the following benefits on their own, you will lose your Child Benefit claim:
- Income Support
- (income-based) Jobseekers Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Tax Credits
- Universal Credit
The UK government provides financial support to families through a system of child benefits. These benefits are paid for each child in the family, up to a maximum of two children, and are available to families regardless of their income.
The amount of Child Benefit you get depends on how many children you have and whether they are in full-time education. If you have one child, you will get £20.70 per week. For two children, you will get £34.88 per week. If you have three or more children, you will get £39.67 per week.
Will I Lose Child Benefit If My Child Starts Working?
Yes, if your child (aged 16 years or older) starts working it will affect your Child Benefit claim. Whether your child starts working part-time or gets enrolled in an apprenticeship program, if they leave education at the age of 16 years and start working or training to work for a wage, you will no longer be able to claim benefits intended for them.
As a general rule, if a 16-year-old is not in full-time education or apprenticeship, their parents will lose claim of the following benefits:
- Child Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Additional amounts received with Universal Credit, Income Support or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
- Additional amounts received due to the assessment of Housing Benefit and Council Tax support.
In such a case, parents are advised to inform the Tax Credit and Child Benefit office. Unless the claimant has a long-term health condition or a disability; once the youngest child turns 16 and starts working, they may no longer be able to claim Working Tax Credit.
Will I Lose Child Benefit If My Child Is In Full-Time Education?
If your child is in full-time education, Child Benefit payments will not stop until they turn 20 years old. This applies to all types of full-time education, including apprenticeships, further education, and higher education; during which your child studies for an average of 12 hours per week under the supervision of a teacher or tutor.
To be considered in approved training, your child should not have an employment contract for their apprenticeship.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If your child is in full-time education but also works more than 20 hours per week, they will not be eligible for Child Benefit after they turn 16 years old.
Will I Lose Child Benefit If I Start Working?
If you or your partner start working, this will not affect your entitlement to Child Benefit. However, your payments may be reduced if your combined income is over £50,000 per year.
Similarly, if your circumstances change (for example, if you have another baby or your child starts full-time education), you will need to notify the Child Benefit Office so that they can adjust your payments.
How Do I Claim Child Benefit?
If you’re claiming child benefit for the first time, you can do so by calling the Child Benefit Office on 0300 200 3100. You can also make a claim online through this government website.
If you’re already receiving Child Benefit and your circumstances change (for example, if you have another baby or your child starts full-time education), you will need to notify the Child Benefit Office so that they can adjust your payments.
What Other Benefits Can I Claim For My Child?
In addition to Child Benefit, there are a number of other benefits that you may be eligible for if you are responsible for a child under the age of 16 (or 20 if they are in approved training). These include:
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Employment And Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
- Universal Credit
To learn more about these benefits and whether you may be eligible to claim them, visit this benefits adviser.
Conclusion:
The above discussion has clearly outlined the different circumstances under which one may stop receiving Child Benet payments. These can range from a child turning 16, going to university or even starting a job.
FAQs: When Does Child Benefit Stop?
Does Child Benefit stop when a child goes to university?
No, your Child Benefit payments will not stop due to your child going to university in the UK. In fact, these payments usually stop when a child turns 16 and can maximally be extended until they are 19 or 20 years of age; provided they meet the eligibility criteria,
Will my 18-year-old working affect my benefits?
While your child’s income will be counted towards the household earnings for a means test regarding benefits, you will not lose your claim altogether. If you are claiming Housing Benefit, your child’s income may cause your p[ayments to reduce.
Do I still get Child Benefit if my child goes to college?
If your child goes to college and takes up non-advanced or training courses, you can still claim Child Benefit. The college will be able to guide you regarding such courses.
Do I still get Child Benefit if my child is doing an apprenticeship?
You can only claim Child Befit if your child is in an unpaid apprenticeship. Even If they earn the minimum wage, you will lose your Child Benefit claim.
At what age does Child Tax Credit stop?
Child Tax Credit is applicable to families with children younger than or above 17 years of age. Once a child turns 18 and becomes an adult, payments with regard to Child Tax Credit are automatically stopped by the DWP.
References:
At what age do child benefits stop? Here’s how you could still be entitled to tax credits | The Sun