 *NOTE* The information on this page is intended as a GUIDE to give you some idea of what you MIGHT be able to claim.
Benefits and criteria often change so use the contact details and websites below to find out what you can claim.
Come and see us for some friendly advice
At your Local Connexions Centre you can make an appointment to see a Personal Adviser who can give you advice and guidance on this subject and many more. You can also contact us online to ask a question and receive a reply. To contact us online CLICK HERE.
NOTE: From April 2006 families of 16 to 19 year olds who are in unpaid work-based training will be entitled to child benefit and child
tax credit. click here to read more...
 FREE download: You can download a FREE copy of our 2007 Child Benefit booklet in PDF format here [83k].
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Find out more about Child Benefit below...
CHILD BENEFIT
What is Child Benefit? [BACK TO MENU]
Child Benefit is a tax-free social security benefit for people who are bringing up children. It is paid for each child and is not affected by income or savings.
Before the date you can officially leave school, your parent or carer should automatically receive a letter asking about your future plans. If they do not receive this letter, they should contact the Child Benefit Centre to make an enquiry about their entitlement to Child Benefit.
To find out how to contact the Child Benefit Office click here.
Who can claim Child Benefit? [BACK TO MENU]
Child benefit can be paid for:-
- Someone who is under 16 years old
- Someone who is 16, 17, 18 or 19 and in full-time
further education or approved training.
If you are not sure if you or your child qualifies please contact the benefits agency and speak to an advisor.
How much are the payments? (for 2006 / 2007) [BACK TO MENU]
- £17.45 per week for the eldest or only child
- £11.70 for each additional child
- £17.55 per week eldest/only child (Lone Parent Rate)
Staying on or going into Further Education [BACK TO MENU]
If you intend to stay on at school or college beyond Year 11, your parent or carer must inform the Child Benefit Office of your plans.
When you leave school or college Child Benefit usually stops a few weeks later. The date on which it must stop is known as the ‘end date’ and will depend on when the course or term ends.
Contact the Child Benefit Office to find out more.
Child Benefit EXTENSION PERIOD [BACK TO MENU]
On some occasions Child Benefit can be extended, but only if your parent or carer contacts the Child Benefit Office and asks them to send a Child Benefit extension claim form.
How to claim Child benefit or find out more
 To find out more about Child benefit, including who is eligible and what the rules are please telephone 0845 302 1456 or visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit.
How to claim Child Benefit [BACK TO MENU]
Use the details below to contact the Child Benefit Office. You can also apply online at www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit/online.htm.
How to contact the Child Benefit office [BACK TO MENU]
If you have any questions about Child Benefit you can phone, write or e-mail the Child Benefit Office. You can also visit their website.
By phone: Call 0845 302 1444
You can ring Monday to Friday 8am – 7pm (not on public holidays)
By Textphone:
If you have a problem with speech or hearing and use a Textphone:
The number to call is 0845 302 1474.
If you don't have your own Textphone system they are available
in some libraries or Citizens Advice Bureau offices.
You can also write to:
Child Benefit Office (GB)
PO Box 1
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
NE88 1AA
You can also email helpdesk@ir-efile.gov.uk
They can reply to your e-mail in a different format if you ask them to, eg. Braille, audiocassette, large print or computer disc.
OR visit their website www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit
Child care: Have your child care costs paid while you train! [BACK TO MENU]
 Care to Learn: If you are a young parent aged under 20 and you start learning - you could get help with your childcare costs up to £155 per week. You can be attending a full or part time course at a college or training centre. To find out more information make an appointment to see a Personal Adviser at your local Connexions Centre. You can also ring 0845 600 2809 Monday to Friday 8.30 am – 5.00 pm or visit the Care to Learn website at www.dfes.gov.uk/caretolearn/.
FREE LEAFLET: You can download a really useful leaflet in PDF format that gives more details about Care to Learn. Download it HERE (344Kb).
Where to get help and more information [BACK TO MENU]
Below are some website links to organisations that can offer support, information and advice.
To find out more about Child benefit, including who is eligible and what the rules are please telephone 0845 302 1456 or visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit.
 This link takes you directly to the A to Z of benefits that are available. Visit www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits.
 Information about benefits and services you may be able to get and how to apply, including forms you can download. Visit this website at www.dss.gov.uk.
The place to turn to for the latest and widest range of public service information is www.direct.gov.uk.
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Child Benefit (scroll down to read more) 