Increased eligibility for entitlement to Child Benefit for 16-19 year olds
3 mins read
Monday 8 September 2025
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has made changes to the Child Benefit eligibility criteria for families with a disabled young person.
The rules from 1 September 2025 allow much greater flexibility around the types of education provision and the number of hours of attendance accepted for a Child Benefit claim to continue beyond the age of 16.
What were the previous rules for eligibility?
Previously, young people had to be studying full time, which meant for a minimum of 12 hours each week.
Their course of study also had to meet specific criteria. Courses were limited to 16-19 study programmes and to home education that either started before the age of 16 or which was recognised as appropriate in an education health and care (EHC) plan.
What has changed?
There are two main changes that HMRC is making: to the type of education provision and the hours of education.
Types of education provision
Young people can now qualify for Child Benefit if they are home educated, but this began after their 16th birthday. They can also qualify if their course is not provided by a school or college, even if their course has not been approved by the local authority through an EHC plan.
Hours of education
HMRC have now made an exception to the requirement to be studying full time.
Young disabled people can now qualify for Child Benefit if they are studying for less than 12 hours each week. This is provided the number of hours of study is the maximum they can manage due to their health condition, disability or illness.
HMRC has already ended my claim for Child Benefit. Is it too late to claim?
Provided your young person is under the age of 20 and began their course of education before they turned 19, then you can make a claim for Child Benefit for them at any point, even if your old claim has ended.
Child Benefit can only be backdated for three months. You should contact HMRC and start the claim as soon as possible.
You can contact HMRC through the Child Benefit helpline – 0300 200 3100.
Will the same rule changes apply to Universal Credit?
Unfortunately the same rule changes don’t apply to Universal Credit. The Department for Work and Pensions can make a completely separate decision about your entitlement to benefits based on your child’s education.
To receive the child elements of Universal Credit, your child must still be in full time education of 12 hours or more per week on an approved course.
Read more about Universal credit for Young People in Education and Benefits at 16.
