Why do you need to change your address for Child Benefit?
You need to change your address for Child Benefit to provide them with up-to-date information about you and your child. Otherwise, your payments will stop since the Child Benefit Office will not be able to contact you.
How to update your address for Child Benefit
1. Online
To report changes online, you need a Government Gateway user ID and password. If you do not have a user ID, you can create one when you report.
To change the address online, continue with the following steps:
- Log on to the UK Government website
- Enter the 13-digit National Insurance number of the person who receives a Child Benefit.
- Enter the date of birth of the person who receives Child Benefit.
- Once done, click on the ‘continue’ button at the bottom of the page and this will take you to a new page where you need to enter your new address.
- Select ‘change address’ from the list of options displayed.
- Once you have confirmed the new address details, click on the “submit” button at the bottom of the page or app and wait for a confirmation email from HMRC with your new reference number.
2. By Phone
You can change your address for Child Benefit by phone. It is only available for those who have a mobile number registered to their claim and are able to receive text messages from HMRC.
To update your address with the Child Benefit Office by phone, simply call at 0300 200 3100 or +44 161 210 3086 if you’re outside the UK. Say: “change my address” when asked why you are calling HMRC (they use speech recognition software).
3. In person
If you prefer changing your address for your child benefit claim in person, you’ll need to visit your local Jobcentre Plus office. You will also have to bring your original National Insurance number documentation.
4. By mail
The last option that is given to you to update your address for your Child Benefit claim is by mail. You can write to HMRC to let them know you’ve moved house by sending a letter with the relevant information about your change of address at this address:
HM Revenue and Customs — Child Benefit Office
PO Box 1
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE88 1AA
United Kingdom
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Child Benefit change of address
Can I fax a change of address to the Child Benefit Office?
The Child Benefit Office does not have a fax service. You will have to call them on the phone or send them a letter.
Does Royal Mail redirection notify Child Benefit of my change of address?
The Child Benefit Office will be notified of a change of address by Royal Mail. The Royal Mail will indeed send the notification to the Child Benefit Office when they have processed your redirection request. If you have a registered change of address with your local council, then they will notify the Child Benefit Office directly.
What time is the Child Benefit Office typically open?
The Child Benefit Office hours vary depending on the area, but they are typically open from 8:00 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday and 8:00 am to 4 pm on Saturday.
Do all parents in the UK get child benefits?
The benefits depend on your income and whether you’re at work or not. Once you earn £60,000, you lose all of your benefits through tax. If you’re not at work, Child Benefit is currently £21.80 per week for the eldest child and £14.45 per week for each additional child under 16 years old, or if they’re disabled or under 20 years old and in full-time education (or training).
