I have a client who had her child benefit stopped 2 years ago but did not realise until recently. She has contacted CHB who have told her it is because they did not know where she was living! This client has moved several times as she has been living in rented properties often with short-term tenancies.

My client has been in full-time work and was not aware she needed to contact CHB about her change of address as she was still responsible for her daughter who was living with her. She had not checked the payment of CHB into the account as the CHB had been getting paid into a bank account which was used specifically for the payment of the benefit (the client was saving this money for her daughter's future education).

CHB have told this client to claim CHB again but have told her she can only request 3 months backdating.

I would appreciate your thoughts as I am unaware that not knowing where the client was currently living would be reason to revise the decision and stop payment of CHB.