Not affiliated with HMRC, DWP, or the UK Government. For official advice, visit gov.uk/child-benefit.

How to Claim Child Benefit - Online, by Post, and What You Need

Claim as soon as possible after the birth. You can only backdate 3 months - every week you delay loses money and NI credits.

Claim as soon as possible

You can claim from the date of birth, or as soon as you are registered as the child's parent or guardian. Child Benefit can only be backdated by 3 months - every week you delay loses benefit payments and, critically, NI credits towards your State Pension.

Claiming Online (Recommended)

The fastest way to claim is online at gov.uk/child-benefit/how-to-claim using your Government Gateway account. Processing time is usually around 3 working days.

  1. 1Sign in to your Government Gateway account (or create one if you do not have one)
  2. 2Go to "Claim Child Benefit" - you will need your National Insurance number
  3. 3Enter your child's details including their full name and date of birth
  4. 4Provide your bank account details (sort code and account number)
  5. 5Submit and wait for your award letter confirming payment dates

Documents You Will Need

For you (the claimant)

  • ✓ National Insurance number
  • ✓ Bank account details
  • ✓ Date of birth
  • ✓ Address history (last 2 years)

For each child

  • ✓ Full name
  • ✓ Date of birth
  • ✓ Birth certificate number (for postal claims)
  • ✓ Adoption order (if applicable)

Claiming by Post (Form CH2)

If you cannot claim online, use form CH2. Download it from gov.uk or request it by phone from HMRC. Send the completed form to:

HMRC Child Benefit Office
BX9 1GR
United Kingdom

Postal claims take 6-8 weeks to process. You do not need a stamp - use "Child Benefit Office" on the envelope. For a third or subsequent child, send form CH2(CS) alongside your CH2.

Backdating Rules

Child Benefit can be backdated for a maximum of 3 months from the date HMRC receives your claim. If your child was born 6 months ago and you have not yet claimed, you will only receive benefit from 3 months ago - not from birth. Every week of delay is a permanent loss.

What Happens After You Claim

  • - HMRC sends an award letter confirming you will receive Child Benefit
  • - The letter includes your payment dates (every 4 weeks, on a Monday or Tuesday)
  • - First payment arrives within 3 days (online) or 6-8 weeks (post)
  • - NI credits start accumulating from the date your claim is effective
  • - You must notify HMRC of changes: child leaving education, change of address, income change affecting HICBC

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • 1. Not claiming due to high income: Even if HICBC claws back all cash, NI credits are free. Always register.
  • 2. Waiting too long: Only 3 months backdating available. Claim within weeks of birth.
  • 3. Forgetting to extend at 16: Payments stop automatically at 16. You must tell HMRC if your child stays in education.
  • 4. Not updating HMRC: If your income rises above £60,000, register for HICBC via Self Assessment or PAYE.
  • 5. Wrongly opting not to claim vs opting out of payments: Opt out of payments, do not stop claiming entirely.

Child Turning 16?

Child Benefit stops on 31 August after your child turns 16. If they plan to stay in education or training, you must tell HMRC before then to continue receiving payments.

How to extend Child Benefit after 16 →