Fill in Form CB1 online
Applies for Child Benefit in Ireland on paper when you cannot apply through MyWelfare.
Do not sign this form electronically. Form CB1 has to be signed by hand, in person or through the agency’s own filing system. You can type your details into the PDF here, then print it and follow the official instructions to sign and submit it.
Form CB1 at a glance
- Official name
- Application form for Child Benefit (CB1)
- Issued by
- Department of Social Protection
- Country
- Ireland
- Category
- Benefits and family
- Language
- English
- Who uses it
- Parents and guardians who cannot apply for Child Benefit through MyWelfare.
- Signature
Print and sign by hand
The form says to use a black pen and sign the declaration in your own handwriting, not in capital letters.
- Instructions
- Official Department of Social Protection page
Form CB1 is the Department of Social Protection's paper application for Child Benefit in Ireland, for people who cannot apply through MyWelfare. Open the official form from gov.ie in BunnyDoc's free Sign PDF tool straight from this page, type your details into its fillable fields and download it to print and sign by hand. Everything happens in your browser, so the file never leaves your device.
How to fill in Form CB1
Your details and residence (Parts 1 and 2)
Enter your PPS number, name, date of birth, address and contact details, then answer the habitual residence questions about where you have lived and worked.
Payment details (Part 3)
Choose to be paid at a post office, into an An Post Childcare Savings Account, or into a bank account using your IBAN.
Your children (Part 4)
Give each child's details and answer the questions about where they live, adoption, fostering and custody. Each child living in Ireland needs a PPS number before you apply.
Spouse or partner and late claims (Parts 5 to 7)
Give your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant's details. If you are applying more than 12 months after the child's birth or arrival, explain why in Part 7.
Check the documents and sign (Parts 8 and 9)
Use the checklist in Part 8, then print the form and sign the declaration in Part 9 in your own handwriting with the date.
Post it to the Child Benefit Section
Send it to Child Benefit Section, Department of Social Protection, St. Oliver Plunkett Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 T449.
What you need before you start
- Your PPS number and each child's PPS number.
- Original or verified copies of each child's birth certificate showing the parents' names.
- Form CB2 for each child aged 16, 17 or 18, and form HRC1 if it applies to you.
- For non-EU/EEA nationals, verified copies of your residence documents.
Can I sign the CB1 electronically?
No. The CB1 form asks you to use a black pen and sign the declaration in your own handwriting. You can type the details into the PDF, then print it and sign by hand. The quickest way to apply is online through MyWelfare.ie.
Common mistakes
- Applying before your child has a PPS number.
- Sending translated birth certificates without the originals or verified copies.
- Signing in capital letters instead of your normal signature.
- Not explaining a late claim in Part 7.
Form CB1: frequently asked questions
Where do I send the CB1 form?
To Child Benefit Section, Department of Social Protection, St. Oliver Plunkett Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 T449.
Can I apply for Child Benefit online?
Yes. gov.ie says the quickest and easiest way is through MyWelfare.ie. The paper CB1 is for people who cannot use the online system.
Can I sign the CB1 electronically?
No. The form asks for a handwritten signature in black pen.
Does my child need a PPS number first?
Yes, if your child lives in Ireland. Apply for the child's PPS number before applying for Child Benefit.
Is BunnyDoc connected to the Department of Social Protection?
No. BunnyDoc is not affiliated with the Department of Social Protection. We link to the official form on gov.ie and give you a free tool to type into it in your browser.
BunnyDoc is not affiliated with Department of Social Protection. Always download the latest edition from the official site and follow its instructions for signing and filing.
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