A new online service has been launched by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to make it quicker and easier for parents and carers to prove they claim Child Benefit. They often need to obtain this proof for Housing Benefit, Council Tax and other services and previously it involved the need to call or write to HMRC.
Now it can be done within minutes at a time convenient to them. From the end of February, parents or carers have been able to access this information through the official HMRC app or online at GOV.UK, then print or save as a document to use as proof of entitlement.
Child Benefit is a payment made to people who are responsible for bringing up a child aged below 16 or a young person under 20, if they are still in full-time education or on certain approved training courses.
The benefit is paid every four weeks, either on a Monday or a Tuesday, and there is no limit to how many children a parent or guardian can claim for.
It is also a means-tested benefit, so income below £50,000 and savings do not impact the amount a person receives and you do not need to have paid any National Insurance contributions to get it.
Child Benefit payment rates for 2023/24
Payment rates have now increased as part of the annual uprating
- Eldest or only child - £24.00 (£96 every four-week pay period)
- Additional children - £15.90 (£63.60 every four-week period)
Guardian's Allowance payment rates
The new weekly rate for Guardian's Allowance is £20.40. This is also paid every four weeks, which means payments are wroth £81.60.
How is Child Benefit and Guardian's Allowance paid?
The payments come through every four weeks in arrears on a Monday or a Tuesday and the claimant will also be awarded National Insurance credits which can count towards their State Pension.
What age do Child Benefit payments stop?
Child Benefit can be claimed for any child below 16 or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training.
What if your circumstances change?
Any changes in circumstances which may affect a claimant’s eligibility must be reported to the Child Benefit office immediately.
What else you need to know
There is no limit on how many children can be claimed for, but only one person can receive Child Benefit.
HMRC have also announced the new allowances for Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits - see the new threshold rates on GOV.UK here.
How do earnings affect Child Benefit?
Anyone can claim Child Benefit if they are responsible for a child, but earnings may have an effect on the payments. If the claimant or their partner earns more than £50,000 a year, they will need to pay back some of the Child Benefit as Income Tax.
One per cent of the family’s Child Benefit will need to be paid back for every £100 earned over £50,000 each year. If over £60,000 is earned in a year then all of the Child Benefit claimed will need to be paid back.
It is possible to stop or restart a claim at any point and free support is available for anyone who needs help with their application.
For more information on Child Benefit, visit GOV.UK, here.
To keep up to date with the latest benefits news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, follow us on Twitter @Record_Money, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out Monday to Friday - sign up here.
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