To ask Her Majesty's Government whether European Union nationals are eligible to claim child-related benefits when their children are not resident in the United Kingdom; and, if so, how much was paid out in each of the last five years. [HL1780]

Child benefit and child tax credit is intended to help families in the UK. Generally, therefore, it is not payable in respect of children resident outside the UK. However, under EC co-ordinating regulations on social security for migrant workers and their families, which the UK has administered since it joined the European Economic Community in 1973, a European economic area (EEA) national working in one member state can claim family benefits (child tax credit together with child benefit) in that member state in respect of members of their family resident in other member states.

All claims for family benefits are subject to a wide range of checks throughout the life of each claim. Where claims for family benefits are made under the EC regulations on behalf of children living in another member state, HM Revenue and Customs carries out further checks to verify the information provided by the customer to prevent erroneous or fraudulent claims.

The value of the benefit paid is only available at disproportionate costs because under the EC social security co-ordinating regulations (EC Regulations 1408/71 and 574/72) not all awards of child benefit in respect of children living in other member states are made at the full UK rate.