Child Benefit
Key information
Child Benefit is money paid to parents or
other people who are responsible for bringing up a
child.
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland and
Northern Ireland
Age rules: There are no specific age rules
for the person making the claim
Type of benefit: Non
means tested
Taxable: No
Administered by: HM
Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
Index
You can read through this information sheet, or go directly to
the sections you want to read by clicking on these links:
Who does it help?
You do not have to have paid any national insurance
contributions to get Child Benefit.
You can get it if your child:
Rules are complicated for 19 year olds so you should seek advice
if you have any concerns about entitlement for a child this
age.
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What help does it provide?
Child Benefit is money from the Government that you can spend as
you want.
If both parents live together, Child Benefit is usually paid to
the mother. If both parents do not live together, it is
usually paid to the parent with whom the child lives. It is
usually paid into your bank or building society. You can be
paid at a post office in some cases.
Child Benefit is usually paid every four weeks but it can be
paid weekly if you are getting Income
Support or income-based Jobseeker’s
Allowance or if you are a single parent.
If you get Income Support or
income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, and
have been since before 6 April 2004 with a child element included,
Child Benefit will affect the amount of Income
Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance you receive.
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How much does it pay?
Child Benefit is paid at a higher rate for your oldest child.
This is £20.30 a week. If you have other children, you get
£13.40 a week for each of them.
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How do I make a claim?
You should claim Child Benefit as soon as your child is born or
if a child comes to live with you.
Download a claim form
from the HMRC website (link opens in a new window) or
phone the Child Benefit Office for a claim form:
Telephone: 0845 302 1444
Textphone: 0845 302 1474
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What documents will I need?
You must give evidence of who you are, for
example, a driving licence or birth certificate. You must also give
evidence of your child, for example, a birth or adoption
certificate. You should also give your national insurance number.
But if you do not have a national insurance number, send in the
claim form anyway to save delays.
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Can it be backdated?
Child Benefit can be backdated for up to three months if you
would have been entitled to it earlier. It does not matter why your
claim is late. Request this when claiming.
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Challenging decisions
If you disagree with the decision made on your benefit claim you
can ask for a written statement of reasons. If you still believe
the decision is wrong, for example due to incorrect information
being used, you can ask for it to be looked at again, and/or
appeal.
The time limits are strict, you will usually be given one
month to dispute a decision, so it is important to seek advice and
act quickly.
Further information on Challenges and
complaints
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Change of circumstance
You must report changes in your circumstances
which might affect your entitlement to this benefit.
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Further help
If you have problems with Child Benefit, you can contact
the Child Benefit Helpline on: 0845 302 1444 in England,Wales and
Scotland and 0845 603 2000 in Northern Ireland.
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This information has been produced by Citizens
Advice.
Last reviewed: 5 April 2012
Turn2us - to access benefits & grants.
