PARENTS whose child is staying on in education after they turn 16 should ensure they tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) so that Child Benefit doesn’t stop.

Teens taking approved courses or training are eligible for the benefit, worth up to £20.70 a week, but parents and guardians will only continue to receive it if they tell HMRC before August 31, when the payments automatically cease.

We’re encouraging parents in the Central Fife Times circulation area to meet the August 31 deadline and notify us of their children’s plans after they turn 16. Letting HMRC know will ensure that Child Benefit payments continue.

Child Benefit provides £20.70 a week for the eldest or only child in a family and £13.70 a week for each additional child, up to the age of 19 for teens on approved courses or training.

Young people qualify if studying for Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate, NVQs and other vocational qualifications up to level 3. Training courses should be unpaid and can include Employability Fund programmes in Scotland.

Tell HMRC by using or creating your online Personal Tax Account www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account or by returning the form that was sent earlier this year.

Parents and guardians should note that if they or their live-in partner has an individual income of over £50,000, they may have to pay a tax charge, known as the ‘High Income Child Benefit Charge’.

ANGELA MacDONALD,

Diector General for Customer Services,

HMRC.