Postage for Child Benefit review letters

hugedinosaur

In the past there used to be a Freepost return envelope included with the review letters from the Child Benefit Section. Then at a later stage there was no return envelope provided, but the letter said to write the address and FREEPOST on any envelope.

But now the letter just says "This form must be completed and returned to the above address" and there is no mention of FREEPOST anywhere on the form. The last few times I just bought a stamp, but I am considering what to do this time.

The welfare.ie and citizensinformation.ie websites say to use FREEPOST for CB1 and CB2 forms, but don't have any information about the review forms.

Is it ok to use FREEPOST when returning this form?
If not, was there an announcement of this change,
or, if so, why is it no longer mentioned on the form?

Is it necessary to put a stamp on these letters now, or are they hoping that, by not mentioning Freepost, some people will put stamps on the letters to minimise the Department's postage costs?

By the way, the wording is interesting "...being reviewed to ensure that customers are receiving their full entitlement..." when the purpose is actually to stop payments to people who are not entitled to them.

uck51js9zml2yt

It's Freeport but I would suggest registered post so they can't say it wasn't received.

tandcapply

Sorry to bump this.

Can you still use FREEPOST to return the Child benefit periodic confirmation letter?

(Otherwise I'll need to go to a post office to buy a stamp, or will do the online rip off thingy from anpost).

Dempo1

I'm going to say register these letters, I know its expensive but time and time again, folks reporting applications or documents not being recieved by the department and I might add the HSE, even when Free post is marked on the address.

Also worth noting many Free Post Envelopes now have a licence code so I don't believe its safe to assume writing Freepost will gaurentee letter will be delivered.

tandcapply

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120224773#Comment_120224773

Thanks, just did, surprised they don't have an online way that can still prove that you got the physical letter or something. 21st century like.

Something AI can replace the entire team in Social dept.

Dempo1

I can't explain what is going on, I don't think it's deliberate but I sense some mail going via Freepost or to Box numbers going a stray. Just over Christmas I had letters sent to the HSE, Electric Ireland & DSP free post or Box number addresses go missing. An Post, useless as they can only track registered mail 😉

beachhead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2057713923/postage-for-child-benefit-review-letters

continue writing FREEPOST in the address lines