Change in circumstances

[crazygirly]

Hi All,

Does anyone know when the relevent people i.e. HMRC etc need to be made aware that someone will be needing to make a claim for child benefit/credit etc and also what is a single parent entitled to?

All advice much appreciated.

[Buenchico]

Child Benefit is tax-free, so HMRC won't regard it as contributing to your income for tax purposes. It's payable to anyone who is responsible for a child, at a rate of £20.30 per week for the oldest (or only) child and £13.40 for each subsequent child.

Child benefit doesn't count as income when other benefits are being assessed (but you should notify the relevant offices if you're in receipt of Council Tax Benefit and/or Housing Benefit):
http://www.direct.gov...sforparents/DG_073790

See here for full information:
http://www.direct.gov...ildbenefits/index.htm

This page (and, probably more importantly, the links from it) will tell you about Child Tax Credits and how much you can get:
http://www.hmrc.gov.u...y-change/new-baby.htm

Chris

[factor-fiction]

Just to build on Chris's excellent info here is a link to the page on how you actually claim for child benefit

http://www.direct.gov...hildBenefit/DG_073775

[EDDIE51]

To find out what benefits you are entitled to use this calculator
http://www.turn2us.or.../benefits_search.aspx

[themas]

I assume you (or the person you are asking for) is pregnant. Child Benefit clam form etc. should be given to you before or after birth of the baby by the hospital or midwife or ante natal clinic. The claim cannot be made until the child is born.

Child Tax Credit is also claimed after the child is born (0345 300 3900). They don't normally start paying it until the child benefit has been approved & you have given them the child benefit number, but you should claim it as soon as possible after the birth.