What age does Child Benefit stop?

Child Benefit stops on 31 August after a child's 16th birthday, unless they remain in approved education or training, in which case it can continue until they turn 20. If the child leaves education, payments stop immediately. You must inform HMRC if they stay in education to continue receiving payments.

Does Child Benefit stop at 18 even if in full time education?

No, Child Benefit doesn't automatically stop at 18 if a young person stays in full-time, non-advanced education or approved training; you must inform HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs) that they are continuing their studies (like A-Levels, T-Levels, or NVQs up to Level 3), and payments can continue until they turn 20, or until the end of the academic year they turn 20, depending on when they started the course and the official "terminal dates" (last day of Feb, May, Aug, Nov). 

Can I get Child Benefit for a fourth child?

Yes, you can get Child Benefit for a fourth child in the UK, as there is no limit to the number of children you can claim for, though you receive a lower rate for each additional child after the first. You get the higher rate for your eldest or only child, and the lower rate for subsequent children (e.g., £26.05/week for the first and £17.25/week for others in 2024-2025). The controversial "two-child limit" applies to Universal Credit, not Child Benefit, and this limit ends in April 2026 for most benefits.

When did the 3rd Child Benefit stop?

You can currently only claim the standard 'child element' for your first two children, unless they were all born before 6 April 2017. This means if your third or subsequent child has a disability, you can claim this 'Disabled Child Element' but not the standard child element. This will change in April 2026.

Do you get Child Benefit if your child is going to university?

No, you generally stop getting Child Benefit once your child starts a university degree course, as it's considered higher education, not "approved education" for Child Benefit purposes. Child Benefit usually ends on the last day of February, May, August, or November after they leave approved education or training, which includes university. You must inform the Child Benefit Office when they start university to avoid overpayments.

When does Child Benefit and Child Maintenance Stop: Terminal Dates

How long is Child Benefit paid for?

You can claim Child Benefit if: you're 'responsible for the child' the child is under 16 years old - or under 20 years old and still in full-time non-advanced education or training.

Why would Child Benefit be stopped?

Your payments may have stopped because: you have not told the Child Benefit Office your bank has changed or about your child's education plans after they turn 16. you have not replied to a letter from the Child Benefit Office. your child now lives with someone else.

Do I have to pay child maintenance after 18 in the UK?

Child maintenance stops on 31 August on or after your child's 16th birthday if they leave education or training. It can continue until your child turns 20 if they stay in approved education or training. Child maintenance is linked to Child Benefit.

How do I tell my Child Benefit my child is staying in education?

Notify the Child Benefit Office that your child is staying in approved education or training after their 16th birthday using this online service. Read about Child Benefit when your child turns 16. Only the Child Benefit claimant can tell the Child Benefit office about a change of circumstances.

What is the oldest age to pay child support?

Many states dictate child support stops once the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school. Some states have specific laws requiring child support to continue past the age of 18, and some states mandate that child support continue until the dependent reaches 21 years old.

What is classed as full-time education for an 18 year old?

Option one is to study full-time at school, college or with a training provider. The definition of full-time participation is at least 540 hours a year; this is around 18 hours per week.

Does Child Benefit automatically stop when 18?

Child Benefit stops automatically on 31 August after your child's 16th birthday. If your child stays in 'approved' education Child Benefit can continue to be paid until they turn 20. You need to tell HMRC that your child is not leaving approved education at 16 or your Child Benefit will stop.

What is the maximum Child Benefit?

Maximum Canada child benefit

For each child: under 6 years of age: $7,997 per year ($666.41 per month) 6 to 17 years of age: $6,748 per year ($562.33 per month)

Who gets the 500 pound one-off payment?

A £500 one-off payment usually refers to the Tax Credit payment for working households in 2021 (HMRC paid to those getting Working/Child Tax Credits) or the Sure Start Maternity Grant for new parents on certain benefits (including Universal Credit). There are also local council-administered Household Support Fund payments for vulnerable people for essentials, and past support for Test & Trace, so eligibility depends on the specific scheme and date.

What is classed as full-time education for Child Benefit?

You can get Child Benefit if your child is in full time non-advanced education. Full time is more than an average of 12 hours a week of supervised study or course-related work experience. If your child has an illness or disability, they can do fewer hours if that's appropriate for them.

What happens when my child turns 18 Universal Credit?

If your child is 18 or over and not in education or training

If your child is no longer enrolled on, or accepted for, eligible education or training, they can apply for Universal Credit themselves.

Is university classed as full-time education?

Full-time education means you're studying at a recognised place of education such as a school, college, university, or in a similar setting such as home education. Full-time education does not need to be in the UK. Work based learning such as an apprenticeship is not considered full-time education.