Thousands of British families are facing a financial cliff edge as a crucial HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) deadline rapidly approaches. Families with children born between January and April 2013 have just weeks to claim Child Benefit they're entitled to – or risk losing thousands of pounds forever.
The complex rules state that while Child Benefit can typically be backdated by up to three months, families must submit their initial claim before their child's 16th birthday to secure any payment at all. For children turning 16 between January 1st and April 30th, 2024, the cutoff for new claims is April 30th, 2024.
What's At Stake: More Than Just Weekly Payments
Claiming Child Benefit isn't just about the immediate cash support. It serves as a vital gateway to other crucial state benefits:
- Weekly Financial Support: £25.60 per week for the eldest or only child, and £16.95 per week for each additional child.
- National Insurance Credits: These protect your State Pension record, ensuring you don't have gaps in your contributions.
- Automatic National Insurance Number: Your child will automatically receive their NI number at 16.
"The consequences of missing this deadline are severe and permanent," warns a HMRC spokesperson. "Families could forfeit not only the direct financial support but also the protective National Insurance credits that safeguard their future state pension entitlements."
Who Needs To Act Immediately?
This urgent call to action applies to you if:
- You have a child who was born between January and April 2013.
- You have never registered for Child Benefit for that child.
- Your child is approaching their 16th birthday.
Even if your household income exceeds the £60,000 threshold for the High Income Child Benefit Charge, submitting a claim is still essential. You can then choose to opt out of receiving the actual payments while still securing the all-important National Insurance credits that count towards your state pension.
How To Claim Before It's Too Late
The process is straightforward but must be completed urgently. Applications can be made online through the official GOV.UK website. You will need your own National Insurance number, your partner's (if applicable), and your child's birth certificate.
HMRC is urging parents and guardians not to delay. A few minutes spent completing a form now could prevent the irreversible loss of over £1,300 per year, per child, and ensure your financial security in retirement.
