Don’t miss out on child benefit - warning

PARENTS of teenagers in Ballymoney and Moyle who are continuing in full time education, should let HMRC know so that they can carry on receiving child benefit in September.

There are 405 young people in Ballymoney and 210 in Moyle who qualify for benefit, but they could lose out if procedures aen’t followed.

HMRC’s Director of Benefits and Credits, Steve Lamey, said: “At this time of year, families decide whether a child will continue in education or training once they have seen their GCSE results.

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“If their child is staying on full-time, they need to let us know the full details as soon as possible so that their child benefit doesn’t stop on 30 August.”

It is estimated that around 24,000 claims could be affected in Northern Ireland.

Parents of a child approaching 16 receive a reminder and form in the post from HMRC, asking them to provide HMRC with the following information:

details of the course and qualification,

its start and end dates,

the name and address of the school or college.

Parents can also make the necessary changes online at www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit/change-circs.htm or by phoning the Child Benefit Helpline on 0845 302 1444.

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All parents of children in full-time, non-advanced education or approved training are eligible to receive child benefit. This is £20.30 for the first child and £13.40 for each subsequent child.

Find out what types of courses count - http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit/keep-up-to-date/when-child-aged-16/further-education.htm .