How Long Does It Take for Child Benefit to Be Approved?
Welcoming a child into your family is a time of great joy, but it also comes with important practical tasks, one of the most common being applying for child benefit.
Across the UK, parents and guardians rely on child benefit as a valuable financial support to help with the growing costs of raising children. Yet many wonder: how long does it take for child benefit to be approved?
This blog offers a clear, human-friendly guide, answering the big and small questions parents have about approval timelines, applications, eligibility, documents, and next steps. By the end, you will have all the knowledge you need to navigate the process smoothly and confidently.
What Is Child Benefit?
Child benefit is a regular payment from the UK government that helps cover the costs of raising a child. It is available to parents or guardians responsible for a child under 16 or under 20 if they remain in approved education or training.
There is no cap on the number of children you can claim for, and you do not need to meet a minimum income threshold. However, families where one person earns over £50,000 a year may face a tax charge called the High-Income Child Benefit Tax Charge.
Who Pays Child Benefit?
Child benefit is paid by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and is tax-free. As of 2025, payment rates are:
- £25.60 per week for the eldest or only child
- £16.95 per week for each additional child
Payments are made every four weeks, typically on Mondays or Tuesdays. Single parents or those receiving certain benefits, such as Universal Credit or Income Support, can request weekly payments.
Why Only One Person Can Claim?
Only one person can claim child benefit for each child. This is important because the claimant receives National Insurance credits toward their state pension if they are under 12 and not working or earning below the National Insurance threshold.
Families can split claims across children, but only one person can claim the higher rate for the eldest child.
How To Make A Child Benefit Claim Step By Step?
Applying for child benefit is simpler when you have the right information and documents ready.
Where Can You Apply?
You can make a claim:
- Online through the GOV.UK website
- Using the HMRC app, available on Android and Apple devices
- By post using the CH2 paper form
- By phone, but only in specific cases, like adding a baby under six months to an existing claim
What Do You Need Before You Apply?
To apply, gather the following:
- Child’s birth or adoption certificate
- Your National Insurance number
- Your partner’s National Insurance number (if applicable)
- Bank or building society details for payments
- Child’s passport or travel documents if born abroad
If you have lost the birth certificate, you can order a new one, but you can still submit your claim in the meantime. Just note that processing may take longer.
How Long Does It Take For Child Benefit To Be Approved After Applying?
The most common question parents ask is how long they must wait after submitting a claim.
Child Benefit Processing Times
| Claim Method | Typical Time Frame | Notes |
| Online | 3–5 working days | Fastest if all documents are correct |
| Post (CH2 Form) | 12–16 weeks | Longer if documents are missing |
| Adding Child by Phone | A few days | Only possible for babies under 6 months, born in the UK |
If you have recently moved to the UK, be prepared for a longer waiting time as additional checks are often needed.
Can You Backdate Your Claim?
Yes, you can backdate your child benefit claim up to three months from the date you apply, so do not delay your application.
What Happens If You Don’t Have A Birth Or Adoption Certificate?
Not having the birth or adoption certificate when you apply is a common issue, but it does not stop you from starting your claim.
Claiming Without A Certificate
You can apply without it, but HMRC may later ask you to send the certificate. If you fail to provide it when requested, you might need to start the claim over. For children born abroad, you will need:
- The original birth or adoption certificate
- A passport or travel document used to enter the UK
If your child’s only ID is an e-visa, HMRC can check the details automatically, and no share code is needed. Documents sent by post are usually returned within four weeks.
Deciding Who Should Claim Child Benefit
Choosing who claims child benefit is not just about who receives the money; it also affects future pension rights.
Important Things To Consider
- Only one person can claim per child.
- The person who claims receives National Insurance credits toward their state pension if they are not working or earning below £190 per week.
- Couples can split claims across different children but should ensure only one claims the higher rate.
- If both parents mistakenly claim at the higher rate, they may need to repay some money.
For those under 16, either they or a responsible adult can claim. Usually, they will get more if they claim for themselves.
What If My Child Is Over 16?
Child benefit does not automatically stop when a child turns 16.
Keeping Child Benefit For Older Teens
You can continue receiving child benefit until your child is 20 if they stay in approved education or training. HMRC will send you a letter before your child’s 16th birthday asking if they will continue. You must reply by 31 August to keep payments going.
If your child leaves education or training, payments stop at the end of February, May, August, or November, depending on when they finish.
There is also an option to extend child benefit for up to 20 weeks if they join the armed forces or register with a local careers service.
How To Track And Check Your Child Benefit Payments?
Knowing how to monitor your payments helps you avoid surprises and spot issues early.
Ways To Check Your Payments
- Look at your bank statement, where payments show as “HMRC Child Benefit”
- Check your payment history online through your HMRC account
- Call the Child Benefit Office if you think a payment is missing or late
If a payment is late, first check your bank, then contact HMRC. Payments often stop because people forget to update their bank details or report changes like a child leaving education.
Will My Income Affect My Child Benefit?
Child benefit is not means-tested, but income matters when it comes to how much you keep.
Understanding The Tax Charge
| Income Level (Per Person) | What Happens |
| £50,000–£60,000 | Partial tax charge on benefit |
| Over £60,000 | Full repayment through tax return |
You can choose not to receive child benefit if you wish to avoid the tax charge, but it is often better to claim anyway to secure National Insurance credits.
Getting Extra Help With Child Costs Beyond Child Benefit
Child benefit is just one way to get financial help as a parent.
Other Supports You Might Qualify For
- Sure Start Maternity Grant: One-off payment to help with a new baby
- Healthy Start Card: Helps buy basic foods if you are pregnant or have children under 4
- School Meals, Uniform, And Transport Support: Available through local councils
- Tax-Free Childcare: Helps cover nursery or after-school costs
If you are struggling with day-to-day living costs, contact your local council or Citizens Advice for extra help.
Conclusion
Understanding how long it takes for child benefit to be approved can help parents and guardians feel more at ease during the process.
While approval times vary depending on how you apply, having the right documents ready and following the correct steps will speed things up.
Child benefit provides essential financial support for families, and knowing how to claim, track, and manage it ensures you make the most of this valuable government help.
FAQs
How Do I Apply For Child Benefit Online?
You can apply online through GOV.UK or the HMRC app using your personal details, bank information, and your child’s birth certificate.
Can I Backdate My Child Benefit Claim?
Yes, you can backdate your claim up to three months from the date you apply.
What If My Child Was Born Outside The UK?
You will need to provide the original birth certificate and passport or travel documents used to enter the UK.
Can I Apply Without A National Insurance Number?
Yes, but you may need to provide it later or apply for one.
How Do I Report A Change In Circumstances?
Inform HMRC if you move, separate, change your bank, or if your child leaves education or training.
Is Child Benefit Means-Tested?
No, but high earners over £50,000 may need to repay some or all of it through the tax system.
How Long Can I Receive Child Benefit?
Until the 31 August after your child turns 16, or up to age 20 if they stay in approved education or training.
