You can now Claim Child Benefit online
By Suzanne Newton, HMRC’s Interim Director General for Transformation
The joy of becoming a parent is like no other. How wonderful it is, you think, that I have created this perfect little human? But as that honeymoon glow fades and the well-wishers depart, you’re hit with the dawning realisation that you have no time for yourself and when will you ever be able to go to the loo in peace because you’re too busy keeping this precious baby (or babies; twins in my case!) alive.
That’s what it feels like at the time. I can say from experience that it does get better. Every parent creates their own time-saving hacks to get life admin done and I’m proud to reveal that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has done so too on your behalf, with the launch of its online Child Benefit claim service.
This means no longer using the paper form, locating a pen that hasn’t run out of ink, finding some uninterrupted time to complete said form, and then the realisation weeks later that it’s sitting in that pile of paperwork you were going to get round to dealing with... And, when you do finally pop it in the post, you then wait around 16 weeks to be paid.
Our new online claims process is so much quicker! It takes around 10 minutes to apply online and you could be paid in as little as three days. Child Benefit is worth £24 a week – or £1,248 a year – for the oldest, or only child. The rate for each additional child is £15.90 a week – or almost £827 a year.
Claims can be backdated for up to 12 weeks, so I urge you to apply as soon as you can so you don’t miss out on what you’re entitled to. You can apply the day after you have registered your baby’s birth.
Apply online at GOV.UK and enjoy every minute of precious time with your new baby. They grow up so fast, you won’t want to miss a minute.
Suzanne’s tips
- create a Government Gateway account when making a claim for Child Benefit, with a passport and other proofs of ID. This can also be done in advance of a child’s birth to save time later. A full list of the documents needed for proof of identity can be found on GOV.UK.
- when creating a new account, HMRC will send you an activation code via email. Once received, you can then apply for Child Benefit online.
When ready to make the claim, applicants should have the following documents to hand:
- the child’s birth certificate
- your bank details
- your National Insurance number
- your partner’s National insurance number (if you have a partner)
Families with older children, adopted children, or whose child’s birth was registered outside the UK, can claim for Child Benefit online but may need to print and post their form or send additional information through the post to support their application.
The government is offering help for households. Check GOV.UK to find out more about cost of living support, including help with childcare costs.
