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Child Benefit Rules and Guide

Being responsible for one or more children means you could qualify to claim Child Benefit. In some cases, you do not need to be the actual parent to receive Child Benefit support. This overview section answers the common questions about Child Benefit rules in United Kingdom. Discover how to get and manage CHB, the eligibility criteria, and the current rates.

HMRC CHILD BENEFIT 2022

There are several reasons to sign up, even if you decide not to get the payments – due to a ‘high income’. Using the Child Benefit tax calculator will help you make the decision.

You will find current information on Child Benefit rates and how to check your next family allowance payments.

For example, claimants want to know:

What happens with payments if the due dates fall on UK bank holidays or during festive seasons (e.g. Christmas and Easter)?

This category overview also explains how to find out your Child Benefit Number (CHB) and how you can make a complaint. Check what happens when children are in hospital or your Child Benefit stops without notice.

Use the Child Benefit online services telephone contact number during their weekly opening hours. You can use HMRC Child Benefit Office mailing address if you prefer to send your enquiry by post.

So, let’s take a closer look:

As you might expect, this is quite a big section. So, to make things simple we have divided the information you need into three main categories:

  1. Advice and information about claiming Child Benefit as a parent or on behalf of someone else.
  2. A section explaining how the payments work and the tax implications for high earners.
  3. Key information on managing your Child Benefit including when it stops and how to report changes.

Note: Clicking on any of the page links will take you through to the relevant section to get further details.


1. Claiming Child Benefit

Signing Up to Make a Claim

Find out how to claim Child Benefit if you are responsible for a child under 16. Check to see if you qualify and how much you might get.

Claiming for Someone Else

Learn how to get authorisation for claiming Child Benefit on someone else’s behalf. An example could be if your child has a baby.

Guardian’s Allowance

Eligibility provides money for taking care of a child whose parents are no longer living. Check the current special Guardianship Allowance rates and how to claim.

Child Benefit Number

There may be situations when you need to know how to find your HMRC Child Benefit Number UK. As a rule, the number (aka proof of qualification) proves you qualify.

Proving You Qualify

You cannot get written proof of Child Benefit at their office. But other methods include your Child Benefit award notice, the latest tax credits award notice, or a Child Benefit entitlement letter from HMRC in your Personal Tax Account.

Often, the Child Benefit number on bank statement will suffice. The number starts with ‘CHB’ followed by eight (8) numbers and 2 letters (e.g. CHB12345678 AB).

Note: Having a baby can result in a search for financial support. The Childcare and Parenting section covers all the topics about motherhood that matter the most, including childcare and schooling.


BENEFITS GUIDE: The complete list of benefits and allowances covers all the categories of social welfare. Check out your rights to financial benefits entitlement in the United Kingdom.


2. Child Benefit Rates and Payments

Child Benefit Payments

Most family allowance pay days are regular. Use the Child Benefit payment dates 2022 checker to find out when the next one is due.

Child Benefit Rates

Calculate the earnings limit for the High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge. You can also find out how higher incomes affect your tax return for HM Revenue and Customs.

High Income Tax Charge

Calculate the earnings limit for the High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge. You can also find out how higher incomes affect your tax return for HM Revenue and Customs.

Overpayments

You would need to repay any overpaid money back to the Child Benefit Office. Check the official process of repaying Child Benefit overpayments.

Tax Calculator

The Child Benefit tax calculator is a free online tool. You can use it to calculate how much Child Benefit you are receiving in a tax year.


3. Reporting Changes to Child Benefit

Appeals and Complaints

There are several different ways to make a Child Benefit complaint. It can be about a mistake they made or poor service you received.

Family Changes

You must report a change in your personal circumstances. Find out how to report changes to Child Benefit claims and payments.

Child Benefit 16-19

As a rule, Child Benefit after 16 will stop. Even so, some exceptions do apply for children who continue in approved education or training.

Children in Hospital

Inform the Child Benefit Office if your child goes into hospital or care for more than eight weeks. Doing so will help to protect your regular benefit payments.

Child or Parent Dies

The death of a child or any parents affects benefits. Find out how to get Child Benefit if a child or parent dies and how to make a new claim for arrears.

Leaving the United Kingdom

Check for how long you may still get Child Benefit if you leave the UK. It might be for a short holiday or for business purposes living overseas.

Moving to the United Kingdom

What happens with Child Benefit if you move to the UK? Find out whether you and your children qualify and which overseas countries have an agreement.

No Longer Lives with You

Information on Child Benefit if your child lives with someone else. Check how contributions to their upkeep affects a claim.

HMRC Child Benefit Office Telephone Number

Information to contact the Child Benefit enquiries telephone number or department. They can provide help with eligibility for claiming or reasons why they stopped the payments.

Telephone: 0300 200 3100
Textphone 0300 200 3103
Welsh language: 0300 200 1900
Outside UK: +44 161 210 3086

Child Benefit Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm
Saturday: 8am to 4pm
Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day

HMRC Child Benefit Office Newcastle
PO Box 1
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE88 1AA United Kingdom

Call Charges Guide: You can check the rates for making a telephone call from a landline or a mobile. The updated list includes all the popular numbers like 0800, 0808, 0845, 0870, 03 and others.


Rules for Getting and Managing Child Benefit in United Kingdom