Child Benefit
For something so small they don't half cost a lot of money. Fear not, help is at hand.
What is it?
Child Benefit offers extra financial help for parents. It isn't taxed and your salary does not affect it. Advice is given on the Directgov website about the effect of child benefit on other benefits.
How much will I get?
From January 5, 2009 the amount you get will be the following:
- £20 a week for the eldest or only child;
- £13.20 for each of the other children.
Who is eligible?
Parents of children who are:
- under 16;
- under 20 and in full-time education, or on certain approved training courses;
- 16 or 17, available for work or Youth Training, doing less than 24 hours paid work and not receiving Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance or on a Youth Training scheme.
You cannot usually claim Child Benefit for a child who is in local authority care or in prison.
How do I claim?
Use the form CH2, which you can find in your 'Bounty Pack' from the hospital. Or you can complete a form online at the HM Revenue & Customs website.
How will I be paid?
Payment is normally made every four weeks into a bank, building society, Post Office or National Savings account, or you may be sent a cheque to cash in at the Post Office. In some situations you can get it paid weekly, for example if you're a single parent, or you or your partner/civil partner are getting income support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
If you'd like help claiming backdated Child Benefit, you can speak to someone at a Citizens Advice Bureau.
Child Benefit for 16 to 18 year-olds
If you're a sixth form student the Government offers a means-tested Education Maintenance Allowance. This is additional to, and does not interfere with, child benefits payments. Both continue to be paid until you leave college.
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