HMRC has launched a digital application form for child benefit claims, following a successful pilot. The majority of new claimants will be able to use the service as long as they have (or obtain) a Government Gateway ID. The link to start a new claim can be found here. There is also a helpful video explaining how to make a claim. You will need information from a number of documents, namely your:

• child’s birth or adoption certificate
• bank or building society details
• National Insurance number
• partner’s National Insurance number, if you have one.

However, claims for children whose birth was registered outside the UK will still need original documents to be sent by post. An application can be made as soon as the birth is registered, and can be backdated by up to twelve weeks.