Apply for Child Benefit / Family Allowance
Helping families access Child Benefit and financial support to raise a child.
Department
HMRC administers Child Benefit and processes claims in line with legislation and policy.
Intent
To support parents and guardians in applying for Child Benefit (Family Allowance), helping them access financial support towards the cost of raising a child. The interaction ensures claimants understand eligibility, how to submit a claim, what evidence is required, and what happens once a claim is received by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Child Benefit can also help protect future entitlement to the State Pension through National Insurance credits for eligible claimants who are responsible for a child.
Interaction
Claimants apply for Child Benefit online or by post to access financial support for a child they are responsible for. HMRC receives the claim, records the claimant's and child's details, and checks eligibility.
Where further information is needed, HMRC may contact the claimant before making a decision. Once eligibility is confirmed, Child Benefit payments help families with the ongoing costs of raising a child. Claimants are also informed about National Insurance credit implications, including where they choose not to receive payments due to the High-Income Child Benefit Charge, as credits may still help protect future State Pension entitlement.
Operational Delivery colleagues will:
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Providing clear guidance on eligibility, application routes, and evidence requirements
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Processing applications accurately and in line with policy
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Updating systems with claimant and child details, including National Insurance numbers
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Requesting and reviewing additional evidence where needed
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Explaining National Insurance credit implications
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Protecting customer data and seeking further specialist support where required
Collaboration
Organisation / Body |
Role or Linked Process |
|---|---|
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) |
Confirmation of National Insurance credits linked to Child Benefit claims |
General Register Office (GRO) |
Verification of birth registration details when required |
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Child Benefit Technical Teams |
Escalation of complex or exceptional cases |