All grown up - Child Benefit goes digital

NEW parents can now claim Child Benefit online for the first time since it was launched 47 years ago, helping millions of families with the cost of raising their children, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced.

Since 1977, families claiming Child Benefit had to fill out a paper form, post it, and wait as long as 16 weeks for their first payment. Now, the quick and easy claims process on:- Gov.UK takes about 10 minutes and payments could be made in as little as 3 days.

Child Benefit is worth:- £24 a week; or £1,248 a year; for the oldest, or only child. The rate for each additional child is:- £15.90 a week; or almost £827 a year. Claims can be backdated for up to 12 weeks and families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible so they don't miss out.

Nigel Huddleston, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said:- "Family time is precious, especially when you have a newborn baby, so it's great news that HMRC is enabling parents to save time on claiming their child benefit online so they can focus on what truly matters."

Suzanne Newton, HMRC's Interim Director General for Transformation, said:- "We know how much parents and guardians rely on Child Benefit to help with essential costs. We've made it far easier and quicker for families to claim this crucial help by making it digital. Parents and guardians can apply online when it suits them and be paid within days, not weeks. Go to GOV.UK and search ‘Claim Child Benefit online' and follow the simple steps to apply."

Natalie Smith, blogger, Frugal Mum, said:- "No more paper forms for new parents; hurray! You can complete your application when it suits you online at GOV.UK and your Child Benefit can be backdated by up to 3 months; so don't put it off."

Parents or guardians can get Child Benefit if they are responsible for bringing up a child who is under:- 16, or under:- 20, if they stay in approved education or training  on:- Gov.UK. There is no limit on the number of children parents can claim for.

Claiming Child Benefit means that the parent will receive National Insurance credits which count towards their State Pension. It also means their child will automatically receive a National Insurance number when they turn 16 years old, which they will need for key milestones including getting their first job, taking a driving test and applying for university finance.



Tips for applying online

• Parents can claim Child Benefit from the day after a child's birth has been registered; make sure to have the birth certificate to hand when claiming.
  

• Create a Government Gateway account when making a claim for Child Benefit, with a passport and other proofs of ID. This can also be done in advance of a child's birth to save time later on. A full list of the documents needed for proof of identity can be found on GOV.UK.
  

• When creating a new account, HMRC will send you an activation code via email. Once received, you can then apply for Child Benefit online.

When ready to make the claim, applicants should have the following documents to hand:-

• The child's birth certificate.
  

• Your bank details.
  

• Your National Insurance number.
  

• Your partner's National insurance number (if you have a partner)

Families with adopted children, or whose child's birth was registered outside the UK, can claim for Child Benefit online, but will need to send additional information through the post to support their application.

Parents with children over 3 months old who have yet to claim are urged to do so as soon as possible as they can receive up to 3 months' backdated Child Benefit. Parents with children over 6 months' old may be required to download and print their completed claim form and send it through the post.

The Government is offering help for households. Check Gov.UK to find out more about cost of living support, including:- help with childcare costs.

Customers need to be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone. HMRC scams advice is available on:- Gov.UK.

CLA invite landowners and farmers to their Natural Capital Roadshows

THE CLA (Country Land and Business Association) North Regional Team invite farmers and landowners across Yorkshire, the North East, Cumbria and Lancashire to attend 1 of 2 Natural Capital roadshows on:-

• 23 January, 1.15pm – 4.45pm. J36 Rural Auction Centre, Crooklands, LA7 7FP.
  

• 24 January, 8.30am – 12 noon Scotch Corner Hotel, DL10 6NR.

With potential funding of more than £3.5bn per year from Governments and the private sector across England and Wales, perhaps more depending on how markets evolve, there are many compelling opportunities, along with risks.

The roadshows will see expert speakers discuss the development of environmental markets and how farmers and landowners can take advantage of current and future income sources for:- sustainable farming, carbon, nature and water.

The CLA will look at what this means for individual businesses and help demystify the market in order to explore: where to start in to access available funding through Government schemes; main private sector market opportunities; the risks and realities of long-term agreements to nature markets and any legal and tax considerations.

These events are open to both members and non-members, and are kindly supported by headline sponsor Carter Jonas and supporting partner Irwin Mitchell.

Tickets are priced at:- £15 incl. VAT. Register for either of these events via the CLA website's event page. Those interested who require further information or support can contact CLA North events co-ordinator Rachael Clayton by telephoning:- 01748907070.