Child Benefit and Tax Credits

You may be entitled to Child Benefit and Tax Credits for up to 6 months for a young person who can’t attend school, college or training but there must be a good reason why they can’t attend.

For example:

• they’re ill
• the school, college or training establishment is temporarily closed
• they’re moving from one school, college or training establishment to another
• someone close to them is ill or has died
• they’re pregnant If they can’t attend because of illness or disability, you may be entitled to Child Benefit for longer

If you’re not in education, training or employment you can apply for a 20 week extension and also receive careers support (YES link). Your child must be 16 or 17, work less than 24 hours a week and not get certain benefits (for example Income Support).

• Apply for extension to Child Benefit - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Your welfare rights
• Child Benefit when your child turns 16 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Prescribed conditions for a child or qualifying young person - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Child Tax Credit when your child reaches 16 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)