Claiming Child Benefit is now quicker and easier for new parents

Parents can now claim Child Benefit online as the service is added to GOV.UK, and most should then receive payment in days rather than weeks.

The new service means the majority of parents can claim Child Benefit, or add an additional child, at a time that suits them – online now by logging in through their Government Gateway account, and in the HMRC app in the coming weeks. Following a successful pilot with new parents, HMRC are now rolling this out to anyone making a claim, and will continue to test and learn as the service develops.

Parents can claim as much as £1,248 a year for one child, which could add up to almost £20,000 by the time they’re 16. They could also receive nearly £827 a year for any other children they have. A straightforward claim (for example where a child is under six months old) will be processed quicker than before, and first payments could reach customers’ bank accounts in as little as three working days. Previously, all claims started online needed to be printed off and posted, which meant a longer wait for payment.

Claiming Child Benefit online is just one example of where HMRC are improving their digital services to make things simpler and quicker for customers.

If you would like assistance or any further information, please contact the Money Advice Unit on 01983 823898 ext. 2825 or email [email protected].