What Do I Need to Bring?

Reference · Checklists

What to prepare for a UK Child Benefit claim

Before claiming Child Benefit, prepare your bank or building society details, your National Insurance number if you have one, your partner’s number if applicable, and the child’s birth or adoption certificate if available. HMRC can accept a claim before you have the certificate and may ask for it later.

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What Do I Need to Bring? Editorial Team

Prepare the claim and follow any later evidence requestHMRC Child Benefit initial claim and supporting evidence checklist
  1. 01
    Collect claim details

    Prepare certificate information, payment details and the applicable National Insurance numbers. Source 1

  2. 02
    Make the claim

    The online service handles new claims and adding a child. GOV.UK also lists post and phone routes. Source 1

  3. 03
    Send any requested evidence

    Follow HMRC’s instructions. Original passport and birth documents requested by HMRC are sent by post. Source 2

Start with the personal and payment details. Check the document route if the birth was registered overseas.

Source 1 Source 2

Start with the details the claim asks for

GOV.UK lists the child’s birth or adoption certificate if available, bank or building society details and the National Insurance numbers that apply. One person can claim for a particular child. Decide who will apply before entering the details. Source 1

You can apply while waiting for a certificate

GOV.UK says a claim can still start if you do not have the birth or adoption certificate. It may take longer and HMRC can ask for the certificate later. A successful claim can be backdated by up to three months from the claim date. Source 1

A birth registered abroad has a separate evidence route

HMRC ordinarily asks for the original birth or adoption certificate and the child’s passport or entry travel document by post. If the child’s only identification is an eVisa, GOV.UK says HMRC checks the details and a share code is unnecessary. Certain Armed Forces families use a different route. Source 1

Follow the channel stated in any evidence request

HMRC’s online evidence form is for people who receive a request. If HMRC asks for the child’s passport and birth certificate, it directs applicants to post the original documents. Keep the request letter with the claim details to use the correct route. Source 1 Source 2

Sources

Mark the items you have ready

Use the list for your own preparation. Check your appointment instructions for the final requirements.

  • Have the certificate if available · Ordinary initial claim Source 1

  • Prepare the details for benefit payment · Ordinary initial claim Source 1

  • Have it if one has been issued · Claimant who has a number Source 1

  • Have the number ready · Claimant with a partner Source 1

  • Post the original birth or adoption certificate and the child’s passport or UK entry travel document · If the child’s birth was registered outside the UK, subject to eVisa and special routes Source 1

  • Read the letter and use the requested submission route · If HMRC asks for proof after the claim Source 2

0 of 6 marked ready

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