HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging parents across the UK to claim Child Benefit for their newborn baby as soon as possible, as figures reveal that more than 30 per cent of parents delay making a claim, potentially missing out on payments worth up to £1,406.60 a year for a first child. The warning comes as many families welcome new babies this summer, with HMRC encouraging parents to apply online or through the HMRC app to receive payments more quickly.
One in Three Parents Miss Out in First Year
Latest figures show that more than 6.8 million families claimed Child Benefit in the year to August 2025, but only 68.8 per cent made their claim before their child turned one. This means nearly one in three parents are missing out on payments in their baby's first year. Child Benefit is worth £27.05 a week for the eldest or only child, equal to £1,406.60 a year, and £17.90 a week for each additional child, worth £930.80 annually.
Backdating Limited to Three Months
Parents can make a claim 48 hours after registering their baby's birth, but HMRC warns that payments can only be backdated for up to three months from the date the claim is received. This means families who wait too long to apply could permanently lose out on money they are entitled to. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Chief Customer Officer, said: "Claiming Child Benefit as soon as possible means your family can benefit from much needed financial support. It is quick and easy to claim Child Benefit via the HMRC app at a time that suits you."
What You Need to Claim
Parents making a new claim will need their child's birth or adoption certificate, bank details, and National Insurance number for themselves and their partner if they have one. Families with children born outside the UK may also need to provide passports or travel documents. Payments are usually made automatically every four weeks into a bank account.
Protect Your State Pension and National Insurance
HMRC has also highlighted that claiming Child Benefit can protect future State Pension entitlement because parents receive National Insurance credits automatically while claiming. This can be especially important for parents who are not working or are earning below the threshold needed to build qualifying years for the State Pension. Claiming Child Benefit also ensures children are automatically issued with a National Insurance number before they turn 16.
High Income Child Benefit Charge
Parents with an income over £60,000 may have to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge, although they can still choose to claim Child Benefit to receive National Insurance credits. Eligible families can now pay the tax charge directly through PAYE instead of completing a Self Assessment tax return using HMRC's digital service. Families who previously opted out of Child Benefit payments can restart them through the HMRC app or online.
Scottish Child Payment Boosts Support
Scots parents can benefit from claiming both Child Benefit and the devolved benefit, Scottish Child Payment. Combined with Child Benefit payments from HMRC, parents could be due up to £212.80 every month in additional support this year. Scottish Child Payment is worth £28.20 per week, per child under the age of 16 for families who get certain benefits. It is one of five family payments parents and carers may be eligible for, along with Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods. To qualify, the person must live in Scotland, be receiving certain benefits or payments, and be the main person looking after a child under 16.
Child Benefit Payment Rates 2026/27
Child Benefit payments for the eldest child are worth £27.05 per week, and payments for additional children are worth £17.90 a week. Guardian's Allowance is worth £22.95 per week. Payments are typically made every four weeks, amounting to £108.20 for the eldest child, £71.60 for additional children, and £91.80 for Guardian's Allowance. More information about Child Benefit eligibility and how to apply is available on GOV.UK.
