26 February 2025
Child benefit claims and supporting documents
HMRC have sent the following information in relation to the use of supporting documents when people are making child benefit claims:
HMRC are receiving an increased amount of Child Benefit claims where the customer has been advised to contact the post office to verify supporting documents. HMRC are unsure where this advice is originating from.
As a reminder, HMRC's Child Benefit office verify all documents within HMRC and will not accept evidence of verification from third party groups. The only exceptions to this rule are:
- Ukrainian customers can take their documents to DWP to be verified, this will then be shared with HMRC.
- Refugees or customers fleeing conflict that do not have verified docs should be able to submit their claim without these documents. A bespoke process with the Home Office is in place for these customers.
All other customers must provide documents for verification in line with the how to make a claim page on GOV.UK