How do I claim Child Benefit?

For parents and carers making a new Child Benefit claim.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

You claim Child Benefit from HMRC, usually online or in the HMRC app.

You can claim 48 hours after you register the birth, or once a child comes to live with you.
You need the birth or adoption certificate if you have it, your bank details and your National Insurance number.
If you cannot claim online, you can use form CH2 by post, or claim by phone.
A claim can be backdated up to 3 months from the date you claim.
Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.

Key facts

Claim 48 hours after registering birth
Backdated up to 3 months
Online, HMRC app or form CH2
Only one person can claim per child

What you need before you start

Have these ready. It makes the claim quicker.

Your child's birth or adoption certificate, if you have it.
Your bank or building society details.
Your National Insurance number, if you have one.
Your partner's National Insurance number, if you have a partner.

If your child's birth was registered outside the UK, you will need to send the original birth or adoption certificate and the passport or travel document your child used to enter the UK. These are usually returned within 4 weeks.

How to claim, step by step

Register the birth first. You can claim 48 hours after the birth is registered. If you are adopting or a child comes to live with you, you can claim once they live with you.
Choose how to claim. The fastest way is online or in the HMRC app. HMRC says you could get your first payment in as little as 3 days.
If you cannot claim online, fill in form CH2 and post it to the Child Benefit Office. The address is on the form. If you are claiming for more than 2 children, add form CH2(CS). You can also claim by phone.
Decide who claims. Only one person can get Child Benefit for each child. The person who claims gets National Insurance credits.
Choose to be paid or not. If you or your partner earn over £60,000, you may have to pay some of it back through tax. You can claim and choose not to be paid.

How long it takes and backdating

Point	What GOV.UK says
Online or app claim	First payment in as little as 3 days
Backdating	Up to 3 months from the date you claim

Do not wait for documents before you claim. Backdating only goes back 3 months, so a late claim can lose you money.

After you claim

Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. You can get it weekly if you are a single parent, or if you or your partner get certain benefits such as Income Support. In 2026/27 it is £27.05 a week for the eldest or only child and £17.90 a week for each other child.

Why claim even if you earn over £60,000

The High Income Child Benefit Charge means you pay back 1% of Child Benefit for every £200 of income over £60,000. Over £80,000 you pay it all back. But claiming still matters:

You get National Insurance credits for each week you are entitled for a child under 12. These count towards your State Pension.
Your child gets a National Insurance number before they turn 16, without having to apply.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Child Benefit is run by HMRC across the whole UK. You claim the same way wherever you live.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Claim Child Benefit

Common questions

How soon can I claim Child Benefit after my baby is born?

You can claim 48 hours after you have registered the birth.

Can I claim without the birth certificate?

Yes. GOV.UK says you need the certificate only if you have it, so you can still start your claim.

Should I claim if I earn over £60,000?

It is usually still worth claiming. You can choose not to be paid and still get National Insurance credits, and your child gets a National Insurance number automatically.

Official sources

1.Child Benefit: how to claimwww.gov.uk/child-benefit/how-to-claim
2.Child Benefit claim form (CH2)www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-benefit-claim-form-ch2
3.Child Benefit: eligibilitywww.gov.uk/child-benefit/eligibility
4.High Income Child Benefit Chargewww.gov.uk/child-benefit-tax-charge

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

Ask about your situation

Please don't include your name, address, National Insurance number or health details. See our privacy notice.