If you fill in the form online, there is no limit for how many children you can claim for.
Who can apply
Only one person can claim Child Benefit.
If you are in a couple and one of you does not work or earns less than £242 a week, it is recommended for that person to claim to help protect their state pension. They should make the claim.
You do not need to be the parent of the child to claim Child Benefit.
When to apply
Claim as soon as your baby is born and registered or once a child comes to live with you, including adoption.
To claim, the child must either be under 16 or under 20 and in approved education or training.
Do not delay making your claim as Child Benefit can only be backdated up to 3 months.
Before you start
You’ll need the following documents for any children you are applying for, depending on your circumstances:
- birth certificate
- passport or travel documents used to enter the UK
- adoption certificate
You will also need:
- your bank or building society details
- your National Insurance number
- your partner’s National Insurance number, if you have one
- a printer
Fill in a form online
You can only use the online form if:
- you and your partner have always lived in the UK (unless you or your partner are a member of HM Forces or civil servants abroad)
- the children you are claiming for have lived in only your household and no other for the past year
-
You need to open and complete this form online. As you cannot save your progress, you may want to get all your information together before you start.
-
Fill in form CH2 online.
-
Print and post your completed form to HMRC, along with any documents you may need to send. We will let you know what those documents are at the end of this form. We will also tell you where to send your form.
Fill in a form by hand
If you are claiming for more than 2 children and are printing the form off and filling it in by hand, you will need to complete both the CH2 and the CH2 (CS) forms and return them to HMRC.
Claim for up to 2 children
-
Download and save on your computer.
-
Print off and fill in the form.
-
Post your completed form to HMRC, along with any documents you may need to send. Information about which documents you need to send can be found on the form. We will also tell you where to send your form.
Claim for more than 2 children
You must also send in a completed CH2 (CS) form with your CH2.
-
Download and save on your computer.
-
Print off and fill in the form.
-
Post your completed CH2 and CH2 (CS) forms to HMRC, along with any documents you may need to send. Information about which documents you need to send can be found on the form. We will also tell you where to send your form.
Notes to help you complete the form
Read the to help you complete the form correctly.
After you have claimed
When you start getting Child Benefit, it is your responsibility to report any changes that affect your Child Benefit.
Published 15 November 2022
