HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is encouraging families in Great Britain to submit their applications for Child Benefit promptly, highlighting the benefits of the new digital platform in accelerating the payment process. However, HMRC has warned that some payments may be delayed due to the holiday season.
The introduction of the digital application system has been well-received by parents, with as many as 87% of new applications being submitted online or through the HMRC app. This platform allows parents to apply as soon as 48 hours after the birth of their child, enabling them to receive their first payment within just three working days.
Through this service, parents can not only apply for Child Benefit but also track their payments, update their personal details, and monitor subsequent payment dates. The digital process is significantly faster than the previous method, which involved filling out a paper form and waiting up to 16 weeks for the first payment.
Child Benefit is typically paid every four weeks, on Mondays or Tuesdays. For single parents and those receiving other benefits, weekly payments are also an option. HMRC has confirmed that payments scheduled for Monday, December 23, and Tuesday, December 24, will be made on time. However, payments due on Monday, December 30, in Northern Ireland will be delayed until Tuesday, December 31.
The current Child Benefit rates are £1,331 per year for the first child and £881 for each subsequent child. While the benefit provides direct financial support, HMRC reminds parents that its benefits extend beyond the monetary payout. Parents also receive National Insurance contributions, which affect their right to a full state pension in the future. Additionally, children automatically receive a National Insurance number after the age of 16.
Families where one parent earns more than £60,000 per year are subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC), which requires them to repay some or all of the benefit. The threshold for starting to repay the benefit is £60,000, and the rate at which the entire benefit must be repaid is £80,000. Parents who previously gave up the allowance due to this threshold can now reactivate their benefit online.
To apply for Child Benefit, parents can use the GOV.UK website or the HMRC app. The required documents include the child’s birth or adoption certificate, bank account details, the parent’s and partner’s National Insurance numbers (if applicable), and a passport or travel document for children born outside the UK. Applications can be backdated up to 12 weeks after the child’s birth, allowing parents to receive the full amount of the benefit due.
Myrtle Lloyd, CEO of HMRC for Customer Service, emphasizes the importance of submitting applications quickly, especially during the holiday season. “We are aware that the birth of a child is a time full of challenges and expenses, so we urge parents to take advantage of the available help as soon as possible,” Lloyd said. She also advised, “Apply now to receive your first payment before Christmas.”
Interested parties can contact HMRC via a special hotline on 0300 200 3100 or use the mobile application for further assistance.
