How to Claim Child Benefit: A Step-by-Step Guide
Child Benefit is a financial support provided by the UK government to help with the cost of raising children. If you’re eligible, claiming Child Benefit can provide you with extra financial support each month. This guide will walk you through the process of how to claim Child Benefit, the eligibility criteria, and key things to remember.
What is Child Benefit?
Child Benefit is a tax-free payment available to parents or guardians responsible for children under the age of 16 (or under 20 if they are in full-time education or training). It’s designed to help families with the cost of raising children, whether you’re in employment or not.
Who is Eligible for Child Benefit?
To claim Child Benefit, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they are in full-time education or training.
- You live in the UK, or if you live abroad, you must be a British citizen, or have a connection to the UK.
- You must not have a high income, as Child Benefit payments may be reduced or withdrawn if your income is over £50,000 a year.
How Much Is Child Benefit?
The amount of Child Benefit you receive depends on the number of children you are responsible for:
- Eldest or only child: £21.80 per week
- Additional children: £14.45 per week
These amounts are subject to change, so always check for the latest rates.
How to Claim Child Benefit:
Follow these steps to claim Child Benefit:
1. Create a Government Gateway Account
Before you apply for Child Benefit, you need to set up a Government Gateway account if you don’t already have one. This account allows you to securely access various government services online.
- Visit the HMRC website (https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit) to start your claim.
- If you don’t have an account, you will be prompted to create one.
2. Fill Out the Child Benefit Claim Form
Once your Government Gateway account is set up, complete the online Child Benefit claim form. This form requires the following information:
- Your personal details (name, address, date of birth)
- Your National Insurance number
- Your child’s details (name, date of birth, gender)
You will also need to provide information about your income if it is over £50,000, as this may affect your eligibility.
3. Submit Your Claim
After completing the form, submit it through the website. If you prefer, you can also download the claim form (CH2) and send it via post.
4. Await Confirmation
Once your claim is submitted, HMRC will process it. You should receive a confirmation letter within a few weeks. If you are eligible for Child Benefit, the payments will begin shortly after.
5. Keep Your Details Up to Date
After you start receiving Child Benefit, make sure you keep your details up to date with HMRC, especially if:
- Your child starts or leaves full-time education.
- Your income changes and exceeds £50,000.
- Your child reaches the age of 16 (or 20 if still in education).
Can I Claim Child Benefit for More Than One Child?
Yes, you can claim Child Benefit for each child you are responsible for, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. The amount of Child Benefit you receive will increase with each additional child.
What If I Earn Over £50,000?
If you or your partner earn more than £50,000 per year, you will still be able to claim Child Benefit, but you may need to pay a tax charge. This charge, known as the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC), is designed to reduce or eliminate your Child Benefit payments based on your income. It is calculated when you file your tax return.
- If your income is between £50,000 and £60,000, the charge will gradually reduce the amount you receive.
- If your income is over £60,000, you will lose the entire Child Benefit payment.
What Happens If I Don’t Claim Child Benefit?
Even if you choose not to receive the actual payments, you should still consider registering for Child Benefit. This ensures your child’s National Insurance record is up to date, which is important for their future state pension. Additionally, by registering for Child Benefit, you will receive a National Insurance number for your child when they turn 16.
Conclusion
Claiming Child Benefit is a simple process, and it can provide valuable financial support for families. Remember, it’s not just about the payments—it also ensures your child’s National Insurance record is established, which will be important later in life. If you’re eligible, be sure to apply to claim your Child Benefit today!
