How to claim Child Benefit
You can claim Child Benefit online 48 hours after registering a birth. Even if you earn too much to keep it, claiming can protect your State Pension through National Insurance credits.
- Time
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 6
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Your National Insurance number
- Your partner's National Insurance number, if you have a partner
- Bank or building society details
- The child's birth or adoption certificate, if you have it
Safety first
- Watch for scam texts and emails about Child Benefit. HMRC won't ask for bank details by text.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Wait until you can claim
You can claim 48 hours after registering the birth, or once a child comes to live with you. Claims can only be backdated 3 months, so don't wait too long.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Decide who claims
Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child. The person who claims gets National Insurance credits towards their State Pension if they aren't working or earn below the threshold, so it's often best for the lower earner to claim.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Claim online
Use HMRC's online Child Benefit claim service via GOV.UK (you can also use the HMRC app). If you can't claim online, you can claim by post or phone.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Send the certificate if asked
You can claim without the certificate, but it may take longer and HMRC may ask for it later.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Check the High Income Child Benefit Charge
If you or your partner has adjusted net income over £60,000, you may have to pay some or all of it back through tax; it's fully cancelled out at £80,000. You can still claim and choose not to be paid, which keeps the NI credits.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Report changes
Tell HMRC about changes, such as your child leaving education or moving out, or your income changing.
Tips
- Check GOV.UK for the current weekly rates.
When to call a professional
Citizens Advice can help with benefit questions. For complex tax situations, speak to an accountant or HMRC.
Questions people ask
Can I claim if I earn over £60,000?
Yes. You may pay some back through the tax charge, but you can opt not to receive payments and still get NI credits.
How long does it take?
HMRC will tell you; claims without a certificate take longer.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
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