HMRC is urging parents of 16 to 19-year-olds to confirm by 31 August if their teenager will remain in approved education or training, or Child Benefit payments will stop automatically. More than 372,000 families have already updated their claim online via the HMRC app or GOV.UK.

With GCSE results due on Thursday 20 August and just two weeks to go until the 31 August deadline, families are being reminded to check their teenager's plans. If their child is continuing in non-advanced education or approved training, parents should extend their claim as soon as possible.

Parents can update their claim in minutes using the HMRC app or on GOV.UK. Those who received a letter can also scan the QR code to go straight to the digital service. Claims not confirmed by the deadline will cease automatically.

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

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." Child Benefit usually continues for young people in full-time, non-advanced education such as A levels, T Levels, Scottish Highers and NVQs up to level 3, as well as certain approved training schemes. A full list of approved routes is available on GOV.UK.

Parents must tell HMRC straight away if their child's plans change — for example, if they leave education or start a paid apprenticeship — to avoid being overpaid.

Around 1.5 million parents have been written to this year reminding them to extend their claim before 31 August. Those unable to use the app or GOV.UK can respond by post or phone using the contact details in their letter.

Parents only need to act if their teenager is starting a new course or qualifying training in September; if they are already partway through a course previously notified to HMRC, no further action is required at this time.

Child Benefit cannot be claimed for children doing a university degree, a standard apprenticeship in England, or a course that forms part of a job contract.

Full-time education generally means more than an average of 12 hours a week of supervised study or course-related work experience, including home schooling. Where a child has an illness or disability, fewer hours may be acceptable if appropriate.

If a claimant or their partner has an individual adjusted net income above £60,000, the higher earner may need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). Families can check what they owe using the Child Benefit tax calculator on GOV.UK and pay via their PAYE tax code through the HICBC digital service, or through Self Assessment.