Parents receiving the benefits will have to inform HMRC of their child’s change in educational status before the deadline of 31 August otherwise they will no longer receive any payments.

The changes apply to a child aged 16+ continuing in full time, non-advanced education, moving to employment or undertaking approved training.

Also, if a child has left full time education or training because they are entering work or a course has ended, this change must be reported to HMRC immediately to avoid an overpayment.

Educational status can be updated through the personal tax account or by phone.

Customers can set up a personal tax account on a PC, tablet or smartphone. It is secure and takes just a few minutes to get started, says HMRC.

To set up a digital tax account, the following information is required:

• National insurance number;
• recent payslip or P60 (a passport can be used if you don't have these); and
• mobile phone to receive the HMRC security access code.

Although HMRC is keen to encourage changes to be noted via digital tax accounts, parents can still phone 0300 200 3100 or send a letter to:

Child Tax Credits: Tax Credits Office, Preston, PR1 4AT and/or Child Benefit: Child Benefit Office, PO Box 1, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE88 1AA.

The deadline for updating the child tax credits and child benefit details is 31 August 2016.

Nick Lodge, director general of benefits and credits, said: ‘This is an exciting time for teenagers and their families as they decide which path they want to choose next. But it’s important that customers let us know what education their son or daughter is undertaking after they turn 16 so that we can ensure they receive the correct benefits.

‘This can be done simply and quickly using the personal tax account which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That means that parents can let us know their child’s education status at a time that suits them ahead of 31 August.’