His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued an important message concerning backdated payments for Child Benefit. Eligible Brits may receive up to £897 annually for each new claim, and can organise this quickly using the tax office's mobile app.
In a post on Twitter, HMRC said: "You can claim Child Benefit for every child you're responsible for, regardless of how many children you have. Child Benefit can be backdated for up to 3 months from the date you make the claim." It added: "Already claiming Child Benefit for your first child? Claim online to get up to £897 a year for each additional child you have."
Child Benefit is a government payment to help with the costs of raising a child. It is usually issued to anyone bringing up a child under 16, or under 20 if they remain in approved education or training. Only one parent or guardian can get the benefit for a child. Current rates are £26.05 per week for an eldest or only child, and £17.25 per week for additional children.
Any Child Benefit received counts towards the benefit cap, but if affected, you will still receive the full payment while other benefits may be reduced. If you or your partner earns over a certain threshold, you may need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge. According to Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert, if you earn more than £60,000 a year, you will still get the full amount but must pay some back via a tapered charge.
Official UK Government advice states: "If either you or your partner has an individual income of £20,000 or more above the threshold (£10,000 or more before April 2024), you’ll be charged the same amount as you make through Child Benefit payments. You’ll end up with no extra money from Child Benefit." You can claim and opt out of payments if you do not want to pay the charge, while still receiving National Insurance credits.
