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Child Benefit and the Habitual Residence Condition in Ireland
Document Checklist
PPS Numbers for claimant and each child
Required: A Personal Public Service Number for the person applying and for each child the claim covers
When needed: Before you apply — the claim asks you to quote the numbers
A PPS Number is required for the customer and their children before they apply. If you or your child do not yet have one, obtain it first; allocation is handled by the Department of Social Protection.
Child's birth certificate
Required for: A manual (CB1) claim, for each child the application covers
Accepted: An original or verified copy of the birth certificate that includes the parents' names
Where you send a certificate to the Department later, include your full name, present address and PPS Number with it so it can be matched to your claim.
Verified MyGovID
Required for: An online claim through MyWelfare.ie
Also needed: A PPS Number for the online account
A verified MyGovID account and a PPS Number are required to apply online. The online route is the Department's main channel for most claimants.
HRC1 form and residence evidence
When needed: Where the Department asks for more information to decide habitual residence
Supporting evidence: Proof of how long you have lived in Ireland, employment records, and tenancy or property documents
The Habitual Residence Condition Application Form (HRC1) is how you set out evidence against each of the five factors when the Department needs it. Where a child is aged 16, 17 or 18, a CB2 form stamped by the school, training organisation or a doctor is used instead of (or in addition to) these items.
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