HMRC offers easy way to check State Pension and Child Benefit payments

David Bentley
·3-min read
The HMRC app
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


HMRC is offering an easy way for UK householders to check their State Pension and Child Benefit payments. People are being urged to "do one thing" to save time and simplify their finances.

Officials today launched a new campaign to promote the HMRC app. More than 1.7 million people use the app every month, which enables them to access various services. These can also include finding their National Insurance number, dealing with unpaid taxes, and using a calculator to estimate their take-home pay.

Between July and September 2024, 711,382 new users downloaded the app, leading to a 39 per cent increase in activity compared with the same period last year – up from 20.93 million sessions to 29.22 million. The tax office is encouraging people to download the free and secure HMRC app so they can manage their money more easily.

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The most popular features on the app between July and September this year were checking State Pension contributions (1.9 million sessions), managing Child Benefit (1.6 million sessions) and viewing annual tax summaries (1.4 million sessions).

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, said: "One of the main priorities for HMRC is improving our customer services and this incredibly useful and user-friendly app is a great example of how tax can be made much easier for people. Whether you're a student looking for your National Insurance number or a new parent wanting to claim Child Benefit, the HMRC app has a range of tools for you, at your fingertips. I urge everyone to download it today."

HMRC's new campaign - aimed particularly at 18 to 34-year-olds - shows people how the app can help them remain in control of their finances in the midst of their busy daily lives. This includes a new advert on multiple video platforms and the HMRC YouTube channel.

You can download the app from Google Play or Apple Store. Among the features on offer, you can use it to:

  • Check your tax code, National Insurance number, and income and employment history from the past five years

  • View and manage Child Benefit, Tax Credits, and your State Pension forecast

  • Access tax details, including your Unique Taxpayer Reference and income information

  • Use tools like the tax calculator to estimate take-home pay, and check for National Insurance contribution gaps

  • Make payments for Self Assessment, Simple Assessment, and even set payment reminders

  • Access your Help to Save account and claim refunds if you’ve overpaid tax

  • Track forms and correspondence with HMRC

  • Update personal information like your name and address

  • Save your National Insurance number to a digital wallet and opt for electronic communications from HMRC

  • Use HMRC’s digital assistant for guidance and support

Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp. Join our dedicated community for the latest updates. You can also sign up for our Money Saving Newsletter, which is sent out daily with all the updates you need to know on PIP, Universal Credit, benefits, finances, bills, and shopping discounts.

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