Several benefits change when a child turns 16. Child Benefit does not stop automatically at 16 if your child stays in approved education or training, but it does stop at 31 August after their 16th birthday if they leave. The UC child element runs to 20 in full-time education. And a child on DLA needs to transfer to PIP at 16.
Child Benefit stops on 31 August after a child's 16th birthday if they leave approved education or training. If they stay in approved full-time non-advanced education (for example A-levels, T-levels or NVQs up to level 3) at a school or college, Child Benefit continues until they are 20. You must notify HMRC if your child leaves education or training so payments stop correctly. The current rate is £27.05 per week for the first child.
The Universal Credit child element continues until a child turns 20, provided they are in approved education or training and are not claiming UC in their own right. The child element is £303.94 per child per month from April 2026 (subject to the two-child limit for third and subsequent children born after April 2017). You do not need to take any action within UC for the element to continue, but you should inform DWP if your child leaves education.
Children receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) must transfer to PIP at age 16. DWP sends an invitation to claim PIP around the child's 16th birthday. You must respond within four weeks of receiving the invitation. DLA does not automatically convert to PIP. The child will need to complete a PIP2 form and may need a face-to-face or telephone assessment. DLA continues until a decision is made on the PIP claim.
Free school meals at secondary school continue under the same income rules as primary. Once a child turns 16 and remains in sixth form or further education, the free meal entitlement depends on the provider. Further education colleges have their own bursary and meal support arrangements, which vary by institution. Check with the college directly about hardship and meal support funds available.
Free Child Benefit calculator for 2026/27. See weekly, monthly and annual amounts for 1, 2 or more children using the latest UK rates.
Free Universal Credit calculator for 2026/27. Estimate UC from earnings, rent, children and savings, including the £6,000, £16,000 and tariff income rules.
Child Benefit rates 2026/27: £27.05/week for the eldest child, £17.90 for each additional child. How HICBC affects higher earners, and why most families should still claim.
Universal Credit guide for 2026/27: rates, work allowance, £6,000 and £16,000 capital limits, tariff income, savings rules and what working families should check next.
PIP explained 2026/27, daily living and mobility components, points, weekly rates, eligibility criteria and what evidence strengthens a claim.
Independent guide: This scenario explanation uses published GOV.UK rules and thresholds for 2026/27. It is not an official DWP or HMRC tool. Use the calculators linked above to estimate your specific position, and contact Citizens Advice or a welfare-rights adviser for case-specific guidance.