Care and support

Child benefit

After your child is born, you can claim child benefit regardless of earnings. This is usually paid 4 weekly but can be paid weekly in some circumstances. You can get £18.80 for the first or eldest child and £12.55 for each other child.

Claim child benefit from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) 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. Completed forms should be sent to the Child Benefit Centre (Washington), PO Box 1, Newcastle –Upon-Tyne, NE88 1AA. Tel: 0845 302 1444 or Textphone 0845 302 1474.

If you have access to a computer, claim forms can be found at www.hmrc.gov.uk You can claim and report any changes on line.

Claims can be backdated for a maximum of 3 months. You may receive a claim form with your bounty pack from the hospital.