How to claim child benefit

How to claim child benefit by Michael Cheary Are you looking for financial help to support your family?For working parents, Child Benefits are an essential part of making their budget stretch further after they’ve had children.Here’s a quick guide on how to claim Child Benefit:What is Child Benefit?Child Benefit is a regular, tax-free payment provided by the government, helping parents cope with the cost of raising a family.Who can claim Child Benefit?Anyone responsible for a child under the age of 16 (or up to the age of 20 who are still in approved education).How much can I claim?How much you can claim varies depending on how many children you have, as well as your individual circumstances.Currently, the standard Child Benefit amount is £20.50 per week for your first child, and £13.55 a week for any other children you’re responsible for.How does it work?You can claim for each child you have or young person you’re responsible for. However, only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.Ho w often will I get paid?Payments are generally made every four weeks, and will normally go straight into your account. However, weekly payments are available if you’re a single parent or if you receive certain other benefits (such as Income Support).Payments will not be made into:Child Trust Fund accountsChildren’s accountsJoint accounts (if one of the account holders is a minor)Business accountsMortgage accountsCredit card accountsPayments can be made into ISA accounts, but is not recommended, due to the strict limits they place on money paid in.How do I claim?You can claim Child Benefit by filling out a Child Benefit CH2 form. Once this has been completed, you’ll need to send it to the Child Benefit Office, along with a copy of your child’s birth or adoption certificate (you will get this back).However, bear in mind that you will need to attend an interview at your local Jobcentre to complete your claim.When should I start claiming?You can start claiming Child Benefit as s oon as you have your child, or your child comes to live with you.In fact, as all Child Benefit payments can only be backdated three months after your application is received, the earlier you do start claiming, the more beneficial it will be for your family.Why is it important to claim?Not only will it help provide financial support for raising your family, it can also protect your state pension. This is especially important for those caring for their children at home, who may not be paying National Insurance.You may also miss out on other benefits, such as Guardian’s Allowance, as well as the chance for your child to receive their National Insurance number before their 16th birthday, if you decide not to claim.FAQsDoes JSA affect Child Benefit or child tax credit? JSA should not affect Child Benefit or child tax credits. Please contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus for more information.Are Child Benefit payments completely tax-free? Yes. However, this will change if either parent is on a salary of more than £50,000.How long does child benefit last?For 20 weeks after your child leaves education, up until the age of 20 (as long as this education is state approved).What happens if my child no longer lives with me?You’ll usually get Child Benefit for eight weeks after your child goes to live with someone else, so long as no-one else claims.You must also contact the Child Benefit Office as soon as your circumstances change.What is the benefit cap, and will it affect me? The benefit cap is a limit which controls the amount of benefits you can claim. Some benefits are not affected, but it may have some effect on the total amount you can claim.Can I claim Child Benefit for my partner’s children?No. Only one person can claim Child Benefit per child.What does being ‘responsible for a child’ mean?You count as being responsible for a child if they either live with you, or you’re paying the same amount as you’d receive in benefits by caring for them.* Please n ote, the information outlined above is intended for general guidance purposes only, and is subject to change. This article was first written in December 2014.For more detailed information about your rights to working in the UK, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit/overview. Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Career Development