Child Benefit major change: Millions more parents can claim online for the first time

Millions more parents are now able to claim Child Benefit online for the first time since it was launched 47 years ago.

HM Revenue and Customs is encouraging parents to go digital rather than use the old paper system.

It stressed that families have had to fill out a paper form, post it, and wait up to 16 weeks for their first payment.

Now, the application process can be completed online in ten minutes, it added, with payments being made in as little as three days.

HMRC started accepting fully digital claims for Child Benefit in May last year for families with children under six months old.

But now the online system is being extended for use by all eligible parents.

Suzanne Newton, HMRC’s Interim Director General for Transformation, said: “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.”

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 and families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible so they don’t miss out.

Nigel Huddleston, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said: “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.”

Parents or guardians can get Child Benefit if they are responsible for bringing up a child who is under 16, or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training. There is no limit on the number of children for which parents can claim.

Parents can claim Child Benefit from the day after a child’s birth has been registered and will need the child’s birth certificate, their bank details, National Insurance number and their partner’s National insurance number (if they have a partner).

Parents with children over three months old who have yet to claim are urged to do so as soon as possible as they can receive up to three months’ backdated Child Benefit. Parents with children over six months’ old may be required in some circumstances to download and print their completed claim form and send it through the post.