Child Benefit can help with the everyday costs of raising children. Whether you are applying for the first time, checking a payment or updating your details after a change at home, knowing where to start can make things easier.
What this helps with: Understanding Child Benefit, making a claim and finding the official contact details.
Who this is for: Parents and other people responsible for bringing up a child.
What to do first: For a new application, use the official claim page. For questions about an existing claim, check the HMRC app or contact the Child Benefit Office.
What is the Child Benefit contact number?
The HMRC Child Benefit helpline is 0300 200 3100.
Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, excluding bank holidays. Have your National Insurance number ready.
If you cannot hear or speak on the telephone, use Relay UK by dialling 18001 followed by 0300 200 3100. Other support options are available through HMRC.
You can also use the official HMRC app to view payment information, update details and manage your claim.
Check the official Child Benefit contact details.
Looking for the family allowance contact number?
People sometimes use "family allowance" when searching for Child Benefit. If you mean the payment for someone responsible for bringing up a child, the Child Benefit Office above is the place to start.
Child Benefit is different from child maintenance, which concerns financial support from a child's other parent.
Who can claim Child Benefit?
You may qualify if you are responsible for a child who is:
- Under 16.
- Under 20 and continuing in approved education or training.
Other eligibility conditions apply. Only one person can receive Child Benefit for the same child.
Claiming can also protect your National Insurance record through credits when you qualify. This can matter if caring responsibilities mean you are not working or earning enough to pay National Insurance.
Higher-income households should also check the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
Read the official eligibility guidance.
How do I apply?
Start with the official Child Benefit application page, which explains online applications and alternatives.
Gather the information requested, including details about you, your child and the account you want payments sent to. Follow HMRC's instructions about any supporting documents.
Claims can usually be backdated for up to three months, so it is worth checking promptly rather than assuming you must wait.
What if a payment is missing or something has changed?
Check your payment information and recent correspondence first. Write down when you expected the payment and any changes that might affect your claim.
Contact HMRC if you need help understanding what has happened. You can say:
"My Child Benefit payment has not arrived when I expected it. Please can you check my claim and explain whether I need to do anything?"
If you have separated, moved home or your child's living or education arrangements have changed, check which details need updating. Ask HMRC or a benefits adviser if you are unsure who should claim.
Practical next steps
- Decide whether you need to apply, update your claim or ask about a payment.
- Gather your National Insurance number and relevant correspondence.
- Use the official online service or contact the Child Benefit Office.
- Keep a note of the advice you receive and any next steps.
You do not need to understand the whole benefits system before asking a question. It is okay to ask someone to explain things clearly, one step at a time.
Find more support
Explore OneRoof Connect for benefits advice, family support and help with essentials. If Child Benefit is only one part of your money worries, ask an adviser for a wider benefits check.
Official starting points: Child Benefit guidance · Make a claim · Contact HMRC
