HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is encouraging families to apply for Child Benefit, as thousands may be missing out on the financial support. The benefit provides a regular payment to those responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they are in approved education or training.
Currently, recipients receive £25.60 per week for their first child and £16.95 per week for each additional child. This equates to up to £1,331 annually for the first child and £881 for subsequent children. HMRC highlighted the potential sums in a recent social media post, urging non-claimants to apply via the HMRC app or online.
Recent changes to the benefit rules mean more people may now be eligible. The threshold at which payments begin to be tapered has risen from £50,000 to £60,000, and the higher earnings limit has increased to £80,000. These thresholds apply to individual earners, not households, so both partners in a couple can earn up to the limit and still claim. Financial firm Interactive Investor estimates the change affects around 485,000 higher earners.
To apply, individuals need the child's birth certificate and a Government Gateway account, which requires proof of ID. Claims can be made from the day after the child's birth is registered. Those now eligible due to the rule change can also apply in the same way.
