Parents of teenagers continuing in education or approved training have until 31 August to update HMRC or their Child Benefit payments could stop automatically.

The deadline applies to parents of 16 to 19 year olds starting a new course or qualifying training this autumn.

It comes after Scottish pupils received their National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher results on 4 August, with many families now confirming what happens next.

For teenagers remaining in qualifying non advanced education or approved training, Child Benefit can continue.

But parents need to tell HMRC.

More than 372,000 parents have already extended their Child Benefit payments digitally ahead of the deadline.

The sums involved are substantial for families.

Child Benefit is worth up to £1,406.60 a year for an eldest or only child and up to £930.80 for each additional child.

Parents can extend their claim in minutes using the HMRC app or on GOV.UK, while those who received a letter from HMRC can use the QR code provided.

Anyone unable to use the digital services can respond by post or telephone using the details contained in their letter.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:

“Exam results season is a big moment for teenagers deciding their next steps, and it’s the perfect time for parents to confirm those plans with us.

“Child Benefit is a vital source of support for many families and we don’t want anyone to miss out.

“It only takes a few minutes using the HMRC app or GOV.UK, so make sure you’re receiving the payments you’re entitled to.”

Qualifying education includes Scottish Highers, alongside A levels, T levels, NVQs up to level 3 and certain approved training schemes.

Full time education generally means more than an average of 12 hours each week of supervised study or course related work experience, and can include home schooling.

There are important exceptions.

Child Benefit cannot continue for a young person studying for a university degree, while different rules also apply to some apprenticeships and courses forming part of an employment contract.

Parents only need to take action now if their teenager is starting a new course or qualifying training in September.

Those whose children are already partway through a course which has previously been reported to HMRC do not need to contact the department again.

Parents must also tell HMRC if their child’s plans subsequently change, including if they leave education or begin a paid apprenticeship, as continuing payments could otherwise result in an overpayment.

Families where a Child Benefit claimant or their partner has an individual adjusted net income above £60,000 may also be affected by the High Income Child Benefit Charge.

The immediate message for families with teenagers heading back into qualifying education or training is considerably simpler.

Check whether HMRC needs to know.

And do it before 31 August.