Make or update a rural payments claim

Sign in to make a rural payments claim or update your details. If you do not already have an account, you’ll need to register for one by calling the Rural Payments helpline.

You can use the service to:

  • apply for Countryside Stewardship grants
  • apply for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)
  • get a Single Business Identifier (SBI) number if you want to register as a cattle keeper, including keeping cattle as a hobby
  • view your Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) entitlements and previous claims
  • update your personal and business details
  • register new land
  • check and update digital maps of your registered land
  • give someone permission to act on your behalf

There’s a different way to apply for rural payments and grants if your farm is in Scotland, in Wales or in Northern Ireland.

Sign in to the service

The Rural Payments service may be unavailable because of planned maintenance and updates. You can check for maintenance and downtime.

Sign in

Before you start

You’ll need your Customer Reference Number (CRN). This is a 10 digit number and was emailed to you when you created your account.

If you’re using the service for the first time

Call the Rural Payments helpline to register for an account.

You’ll be given a CRN and a 6 digit security code which you can use to set up a password and sign in.

You can then finish creating your account online.

Rural Payments helpline
Telephone: 03000 200 301
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm, except bank holidays
Find out about call charges

You’ll also need to register your business. You can do this either:

  • on the phone at the same time as your get your CRN and 6 digit security code
  • after signing in to the Rural Payments service

You’ll need to give the following information:

  • name of the business
  • address of the business 
  • email address of the business
  • type of business (for example, sole trader or partnership)

Once you’ve registered your business, you’ll be sent the reference number for your business by post. For example, your Single Business Identifier (SBI) or Trader Registration Number (TRN).

If you need help registering your business, call the Rural Payments helpline.

Register your bank account details

If you want to claim rural payments for your business, contact the Rural Payments helpline to register your bank account details. Do not send your bank account details by email or post.

You’ll need to wait 24 hours after you register your business before you can register your bank account details.