Child benefit

Hell_Dans_Un_Handcart

We need to claim child benefit for our niece, who's been living with us for a few months now. We need her birth certificate to send with the form.

Her mother has conveniently "lost" the certificate (we think she is still claiming - have reported her), so I was wondering, are we able to get a copy of the certificate ourselves and can we use the copy for Child Benefit?

Thanks in advance.

Mojisola

Anyone can buy anyone else's certificates. They cost about £7.

Go to https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/births/obtainingbirthcertificates/index.asp

Savvy_Sue

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skint_taffy

hi, not 100% sure but i think you need to have parental responsibility to claim child benefit you can apply to the courts for a residence order in respect of your neice hope this helps

Verianna

As previously said anyone can access anyone elses birth certificate.

I would advise a quick read over of these 2 bits of info though before you go in guns blazing :rotfl:

Claiming While Your Child Is Living With Someone Else

Looking After A Child For A Friend/Family Member (scroll to bottom)

Either way the mother will have to give her permission for you to claim for the child as it is an informal agreement, as a PP said if you feel this is going to be permanent you will have to apply for residency and parental responsibilities :rolleyes: but you are then looking at either the mother admitting she does not want to be the main carer of the child anymore or proving that she is unfit to look after the child