Child Benefit to Increase for Millions of Families in the UK
Families across the United Kingdom who receive Child Benefit are set to see an increase in their payments starting next week. According to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, and £17.25 per week for each additional child. This means parents could receive up to £1,354.60 a year for their first child and £897 a year for each subsequent child. The payment is usually made every four weeks and is automatically deposited into the recipient’s bank account.
HMRC has highlighted the convenience of managing Child Benefit payments through their free and secure app. By using the app, parents can easily claim, view, and update their Child Benefit payments. The app also offers a new feature that notifies users once their claim is received, with payments processed in as little as three days. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, emphasised the financial boost Child Benefit can provide to families, encouraging those who haven’t already done so to start their claim on GOV.UK.
Over the past year, families have increasingly turned to the HMRC app to manage their Child Benefit payments. More than six million interactions have occurred within the app, including making new claims, updating personal details, and adding children to existing claims. The shift towards digital services has been significant, with over 87% of Child Benefit claims now being processed online.
It is important for parents to claim Child Benefit promptly after their child is born, as the benefit can only be backdated for up to three months. To make a claim, parents need to create an online HMRC account and provide relevant documents such as the child’s birth or adoption certificate, bank details, and National Insurance numbers. For children born outside the UK, additional documentation may be required, such as a passport or travel document.
Since the launch of the online service in May 2023, more than 1.2 million parents have successfully claimed Child Benefit through the HMRC app or digital platform. The efficiency of the app has been praised by users for simplifying the claims process and reducing waiting times for payments. By leveraging digital solutions, HMRC aims to enhance the overall experience for families receiving Child Benefit.
In conclusion, the upcoming increase in Child Benefit payments is welcome news for millions of families in the UK. As the cost of living continues to rise, these additional funds can provide valuable support to parents and carers. With the convenience of online claiming and management, accessing Child Benefit has become more accessible and efficient than ever before. Families are encouraged to utilise digital services to streamline their benefit payments and ensure they receive the financial assistance they are entitled to.