How to Claim HRP (CF411) — Simple 5‑Step Guide (Online or Post, incl. Partner Transfer)
This guide shows how to claim or transfer Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) in simple steps. If you can’t go online, use the paper route. If you prefer help, we can build your bundle for you.
Start your free HRP record checkStep 1 — Get your NI record and State Pension forecast
Why: this shows the “gap years” HRP can fix.
Online
1) On GOV.UK search “Check your National Insurance record”. Sign in. Save or print as “NI-Before.pdf”.
2) On GOV.UK search “Check your State Pension forecast”. Save or print as “Forecast-Before.pdf”.
By post
• Ask for a State Pension forecast by post (form BR19). Write: “Please post me my State Pension forecast,” with your name, address and NI number. Keep a copy.
• If you can’t see your NI record online, list the years you think are missing. We’ll double-check later.
Tip: keep these “before” copies. You’ll compare with “after” copies once HRP is added.
Step 2 — Build a one-page annex (your year-by-year list)
Why: decision makers work faster if everything is on one page.
For each tax year (6 April to 5 April) write:
• Year (e.g., 1994–95)
• Basis: Child Benefit or Carer
• Child Benefit claimant: you or your partner
• Main carer: Yes/No
• Evidence codes: A (Child Benefit), B (caring), C (identity/address bridges)
• Short note: one line such as “CB award + council tax at family home”
| Tax Year | Basis | CB Claimant | Main Carer | Evidence Codes | Short Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994–95 | Child Benefit | You | Yes | A1, C3 | CB award; council tax matches address |
| 1995–96 | Child Benefit | You | Yes | A2, C4 | Bank ref to CB; utility bill bridge |
| 1996–97 | Carer | — | Yes | B1, C3 | GP note confirms caring; council tax |
We will accept a simple handwritten table if it’s clear.
Step 3 — Collect the documents (what and where to get them)
Child Benefit (A-series)
• Award or renewal letters: look in old files. If missing, ask HMRC Child Benefit for a copy.
• Bank reference: older statements that show “Child Benefit” paid in. Your bank can print older statements.
• Any HMRC CB letters: keep the envelope if it has a date.
Caring evidence to 5 April 2002 (B-series)
• GP/consultant letter naming you as the carer and dates; care plans; social worker notes; school letters.
Identity & address bridges (C-series)
• Photo ID (passport/driving licence); marriage or deed poll; council tax/tenancy; utilities/bank letters.
Rules of thumb
• Clean, full-page copies with names and dates visible.
• One document per page. Write the code in the top corner (e.g., “A1”, “C3”).
• If name/address changed, add a short line so the chain is clear.
Step 4 — Submit the claim (online is fastest; post is fine)
Online (CF411)
1) On GOV.UK search “Claim Home Responsibilities Protection CF411”.
2) Sign in and enter: NI number; Child Benefit details; main carer status; the years from your annex.
3) Submit. Save or photograph the confirmation screen.
By post (CF411 form)
1) Print CF411 or ask HMRC to post it to you.
2) Fill it in using your annex. Enclose paper copies of exhibits (A/B/C).
3) Post by recorded delivery. Keep the receipt and a full copy.
Partner transfer
• If Child Benefit was in your partner’s name while you were the main carer, tick the transfer option and write “Transfer HRP to me”. Include proof you lived together.
Step 5 — Track, compare “after”, and escalate if needed
• Keep a simple contact log: date, who you spoke to, what was said.
• When HRP is added, save new “after” copies as “NI-After.pdf” and “Forecast-After.pdf”.
• If delayed or refused: Mandatory Reconsideration → Complaint → ICE → PHSO via your MP.
HRP Claim — Printable A4 Checklist
Print this page and tick items as you go. Keep it with your copies.
□ NI record saved/printed (NI-Before.pdf)
□ State Pension forecast saved/printed (Forecast-Before.pdf) or BR19 requested
□ Annex completed (one line per tax year)
□ A-series Child Benefit evidence attached
□ B-series caring evidence attached (if claiming as a carer to 5 April 2002)
□ C-series identity/address bridges attached
□ CF411 submitted online OR printed, signed and posted tracked
□ Confirmation saved; contact log started
Related guides on Evanshaw
What Is HRP? Eligibility, Evidence, and How to Fix Missing Years