HMRC announces Child Benefit change ‘from today’ and issues ’10-minute’ message

HMRC has made a major change to the way you claim Child Benefit from today. The new Child Benefit claims[1] process can be done entirely online through the Government’s website and takes around 10 minutes – with payments potentially made in as little as three days. Child Benefit is worth GBP24 a week – or GBP1,248 a year – for the oldest, or only child. The rate for each additional child is GBP15.90 a week – or almost GBP827 a year. Claims can be backdated for up to 12 weeks[2] and families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible so they don’t miss out.

Nigel Huddleston, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said in a statement: “Family time is precious, especially when you have a newborn baby, so it’s great news that HMRC is enabling parents to save time on claiming their child benefit online so they can focus on what truly matters.”

Suzanne Newton, HMRC’s Interim Director General for Transformation, went on to addd: “We know how much parents and guardians rely on Child Benefit to help with essential costs. We’ve made it far easier and quicker for families to claim this crucial help by making it digital.

Parents and guardians can apply online when it suits them and be paid within days, not weeks. Go to GOV.UK and search ‘Claim Child Benefit online’ and follow the simple steps to apply. Natalie Smith, blogger, Frugal Mum, said: “No more paper forms for new parents – hurray!

“You can complete your application when it suits you online at GOV.UK and your Child Benefit can be backdated by up to 3 months – so don’t put it off.” Parents can claim Child Benefit from the day after a child’s birth has been registered; make sure to have the birth certificate to hand when claiming. Ceate 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 on.

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.

References

  1. ^ The new Child Benefit claims (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  2. ^ Claims can be backdated for up to 12 weeks (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  3. ^