Below is a list of questions that are answered in this section.
Questions
I live in the UK with my child but I work in another country so Child Benefit is paid by that country. Is my child eligible?
What happens if I am only in the UK for a short time, but I am claiming Child Benefit?
What happens if I don’t claim Child Benefit?
Answers
Q. I live in the UK with my child but I work in another country so Child Benefit is paid by that country. Is my child eligible?
A. Yes. Where the parents and child live in the UK but only one parent works and this is in another country, European legislation means that Child Benefit is payable by that other country. The most usual case is where the family lives in Northern Ireland but a parent works in the Republic of Ireland. The child will be eligible for a CTF account because Child Benefit has been awarded for a child living in the UK although European legislation means it is paid by another country.
In many cases, the Child Benefit Office in the UK will have the necessary information to issue a voucher automatically without parents having to contact them. But if you think your child is eligible because of this rule and you haven’t received a voucher, you should contact the CTF Helpline (see contact us button at the top of the page).
Back to top
Q. What happens if I am only in the UK for a short time, but I am claiming Child Benefit?
A. If you are living legally in the UK with your child, and are getting Child Benefit then you are eligible for the CTF. There can be some restrictions on benefits claims by people who have recently come in to the UK from abroad, even if they are UK Nationals.
More about Child Benefit rules on the Department for Work and Pensions website
Back to top
Q. What happens if I don’t claim Child Benefit?
A. You will only get a CTF voucher if you claim and start receiving Child Benefit for your child. Child Benefit is not payable if a local authority (or Health and Social Services Trust in Northern Ireland) is looking after a child but there are special arrangements to make sure these children do not miss out on a CTF account.
Back to top
