Child Benefit: Don’t miss out, claim today

Updating HMRC may have fallen to the bottom of your to-do list now you have your hands full with a new-born. We can understand that. But it’s important you don’t delay claiming Child Benefit. There is more to Child Benefit than just the payments, claim today so your family don’t miss out.

Claiming Child Benefit can give a boost to your family budget. Even if you think you won’t be entitled to payments, you should still apply so you don’t miss out on the other benefits.

How to claim Child Benefit

You can claim Child Benefit, or add an additional child to your claim, at a time that suits you online or on the HMRC app. A straightforward claim made online (for example where your child is under 6 months old) will be processed quicker, and your first payment could reach your bank account in as little as three working days.

You can also now see your recent Child Benefit payments, proof of your claim, and update your bank details instantly online or in the HMRC app, without needing to call HMRC. 

What is Child Benefit?

Claiming Child Benefit will mean you can protect your state pension by helping you to get National Insurance credits until your child turns 12. If you are on maternity leave or take a break from work to look after your child, or do not earn enough to pay National Insurance contributions, Child Benefit can help you qualify for these credits so you don’t miss out.

Only one person can claim Child Benefit for a child. For couples with one person not working or paying National Insurance contributions, something as simple as making the claim in their name will help protect their State Pension.

Claiming Child Benefit will also help your child get their National Insurance number automatically at 16.

You can claim Child Benefit if you’re responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they’re in approved education or training).

Child Benefit will be paid at a weekly rate (from April 2023) of £24.00 for the first child and £15.90 for each additional child.

High Income Child Benefit Charge

You may have heard of the ‘High Income Child Benefit Charge’ - it’s a tax charge which applies to anyone with an income over £50,000, who gets Child Benefit or whose partner gets it. Don’t let this put you off from claiming. 

Even if you do have to pay the tax charge, you could still be better off by claiming Child Benefit. The charge increases gradually for people with incomes between £50,000 and £60,000. The tax is 1% of Child Benefit for each £100 of income over £50,000. If your income is over £60,000 the total HICBC will be equal to the Child Benefit you receive.

You can use the Child Benefit tax calculator to work out how much tax charge you may have to pay. 

To pay the charge, the person with the highest income must complete a Self-Assessment tax return. 

Alternatively, you can opt out of receiving Child Benefit payments when you claim, so you won’t have to pay the charge but will still protect your State Pension. 

You can stop or restart receiving Child Benefit payments online if your finances change.

Claim your Child Benefit online now by clicking on the button below.