how to apply for child benefits after ILR granted (husband already receives)

I was granted ILR not long ago and it occurred to me that I'm now entitled to claim child benefits!  My husband has been collecting them since our little girl was born 15 months ago (obviously he doesn't get the full amount, just half of what we'd get if I had been entitled then).  Money is definitely tight for us so it could really help...

My question is how do I go about doing this?  Do we need to fill out a new application or contact them to make a change?  I'm not clear on the process after looking at the HMRC website and am hoping someone has experience with the situation and can give me advice.  TIA!

I think you'd need to contact HMRC with this form

https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/shortforms/form/CBO_General?dept-name=CBO?-dept-name=General&location=3?igin=http://www.hmrc.gov.uk

I was granted ILR not long ago and it occurred to me that I'm now entitled to claim child benefits!  My husband has been collecting them since our little girl was born 15 months ago (obviously he doesn't get the full amount, just half of what we'd get if I had been entitled then).  Money is definitely tight for us so it could really help...

My question is how do I go about doing this?  Do we need to fill out a new application or contact them to make a change?  I'm not clear on the process after looking at the HMRC website and am hoping someone has experience with the situation and can give me advice.  TIA!

He should have been claiming the full amount the whole time.   Why would he only be able to claim half?

You are correct actually!  I've just found out that we (he) is getting the full amount.  I don't know very much about it but remember being told at the time he applied that he couldn't get the full amount bc I was subject to immigration control but clearly I was misinformed (doh)!  Anyway, thanks for your help everyone!

Have you also checked on child tax credits? They can be an even bigger chunk than the child benefit if you qualify.

You are correct actually!  I've just found out that we (he) is getting the full amount.  I don't know very much about it but remember being told at the time he applied that he couldn't get the full amount bc I was subject to immigration control but clearly I was misinformed (doh)!  Anyway, thanks for your help everyone!

Yeah, that's very strange... the amount he receives is based on the number of eligible children, not on your immigration status. The amount is £20.30 per week for the eldest child, and an extra £13.40 for each child after that.

The rules for child benefit did change recently though (Jan 2013), and now, if one parent in the family is earning more than £50,000 per year (presumably regardless of immigration status), then the household won't be able to claim the full amount of child benefit. It looks like if both partners are working, and one of them earns over £60,000, then the household will not be entitled to any child benefit. See here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17854937