HMRC has issued a message to millions of families urging them to check their eligibility
Millions of mums and dads are being reminded they could be eligible for a crucial benefit. Tax officials are encouraging families to ensure they are not losing out.
In a social media post, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) said: “Got a child under 16 (or under 20 in approved education/training)? Join over one million parents and carers who have claimed Child Benefit online!
- Up to £26.05 a week for your first child.
- £17.25 for any additional children.
- National Insurance credits towards your State Pension.
What you can receive
There are two weekly amounts for Child Benefit:
- £26.05 for the eldest or only child.
- £17.25 per week for each extra child.
Payments are typically processed every four weeks and there’s no cap on how many children you can claim for. The rules do state that only one person can claim for each child.
Beyond just money
HMRC is also emphasising that Child Benefit offers more than the weekly sum. By making a claim, parents can obtain:
- National Insurance credits towards their State Pension if their child is under 12.
- A National Insurance number automatically provided to their child shortly before they reach 16.
Importantly, parents who aren’t employed or who don’t earn sufficient amounts to pay National Insurance can prevent gaps in their NI record by claiming. Even households who decide to decline receiving payments, for instance due to the High Income Child Benefit Charge, are encouraged to still submit a claim to secure NI credits.
Who’s eligible?
Child Benefit is typically available to those responsible for a child who is:
- Under 16, or
- Under 20 if they continue in approved education or training.
You must usually reside in the UK and live with the child or contribute at least the equivalent of the Child Benefit amount towards their upkeep. Payments can be backdated for up to three months
What about high earners?
If either parent has an “adjusted net income” exceeding the High Income Child Benefit Charge threshold of £60,000 per annum, some or all of the benefit may need to be repaid through the tax system. If one partner’s income is £20,000 or more above the threshold (or £10,000 or more above the threshold before April 2024), the charge will equal the full amount of Child Benefit received – meaning there is no net gain from the payments.
However, even in these instances, families can choose to opt out of payments . This will still safeguard valuable National Insurance credits.
Family changes must be reported
HMRC cautions parents to notify the Child Benefit Office if their circumstances alter such as:
- A family separating or forming a new household.
- A child starting work for 24 hours or more a week and no longer being in approved education.
- A child commencing an apprenticeship in England.
- A child starting to claim certain benefits, like Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit.
If separated parents each have a child living with them, they can each receive the higher £26.05 weekly rate for the child in their household.
How to claim
Parents can apply for Child Benefit 48 hours after registering a birth or once a child moves in with them. Applications can be submitted online or through the HMRC app.
With the expense of bringing up children continuing to strain household finances, HMRC’s message is crystal clear: verify your eligibility – and ensure you’re not losing out on assistance worth hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds annually. Further information can be found here.