Care and support

Child benefit

Who can claim?

You can claim child benefit for each child for whom you are responsible. Child benefit is not affected by your savings, income or whether you have paid national insurance contributions. It is not taxable and there is no upper or lower age limit for claiming.

You can claim child benefit for a child under 16, or a young person who is under 20 and in full-time non-advanced education (up to and including ‘A’ levels or equivalent) or unwaged work-based training. In some circumstances you can continue to get child benefit for them during an ‘extension period’. The extension period starts from the Monday after they leave their course of education or training and can last up to 20 weeks from that date.

You will generally be responsible for a child if s/he lives with you or you contribute to her/his maintenance. You do not have to be the parent of the child to get child benefit; eg a grandparent could claim for a grandchild. In some cases child benefit can be paid even if the child does not live with you.

There is an order of priority for who gets child benefit if two people claim for the same child. Child benefit cannot be divided between claimants. If this applies to you get further advice.

How much is it?

Weekly rates are £18.80 for the first/eldest child and £12.55 for each other child.

How do I claim?

Child benefit is administered by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Claim on form CH2 if you are claiming for the first time or form CH497 if you are already getting child benefit and want to claim for another child. Claim forms are available from the Child Benefit Office or any Revenue Enquiry Centre. Completed forms should be sent to:

Child Benefit Office PO Box 1, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE88 1AA.

Tel: 0845 302 1444 or Textphone: 0845 302 1474 or e-mail: Child.Benefit@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk

If you have access to a computer you can claim and report changes of circumstances online at: www.hmrc.gov.uk .

Claims can only be backdated for a maximum of 3 months. Payment is generally made 4 weekly, but can be paid weekly in some circumstances.