Initial Claim of Child Benefit

patrickbateman

Hi all,

Is it possible to submit a child benefit claim online. I am a little concerned about posting my name, date of birth, address, NI number and bank account details in one all containing document through the postal system. This feels highly insecure.
I'm also concerned if I have to send my daughters original birth certificate through the post, this isn't a document that I wish to become 'tatty'. I would prefer to send a copy if this is permitted.

I've tried to find further info online without success, and have also rang HMRC but given it is a bank holiday, there is noone working.

In the year 2021 I am flabbergasted at having to ask this, and have these security concerns regarding the processes of a major government department.

poppy12345

It's not possible to claim online, it has to be postal service. The birth certificate can't be a copy either, it has to be the original. I'd advise you to send them signed for delivery to make sure they arrive. https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit/how-to-claim

I must admit, i've got 3 children and never had any problems claiming this way. My daughter also had her first child 18 months ago and didn't have any problems.

68ComebackSpecial

poppy12345 said:

It's not possible to claim online, it has to be postal service. The birth certificate can't be a copy either, it has to be the original. I'd advise you to send them signed for delivery to make sure they arrive. https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit/how-to-claim

I must admit, i've got 3 children and never had any problems claiming this way. My daughter also had her first child 18 months ago and didn't have any problems.

My daughter is 11 and they managed to lose my application (including the birth certificate) despite it being sent "signed for". I gave up arguing that it should be backdated as I had proof of submission so I lost 2 month's benefit and the original birth certificate.

calcotti

The claim forms says it is only necessary to send the birth certificate if the child’s birth was registered in Northern Ireland or outside the UK. It further states that if they "were born in England or Wales, do not send any documents, tell us the 9 digit system number from the bottom left hand corner of their birth certificate" and if "they were born in Scotland, do not send any documents, tell us the district number, year and entry number from their birth certificate."
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/970839/Child_Benefit_Claim_form_-_English.pdf

daveyjp

Save the CB payments and once you do the tax return use it to pay what is due.

Spoonie_Turtle

daveyjp said:

Save the CB payments and once you do the tax return use it to pay what is due.

Wrong thread, I think