HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging new parents in the UK to claim Child Benefit as soon as possible after their baby's birth, as figures show more than 30 per cent delay making a claim, potentially missing out on payments worth up to £1,406.60 a year for a first child.
Child Benefit is paid at £27.05 per week for the eldest or only child and £17.90 per week for each additional child. Payments can be backdated only three months from the date the claim is received, meaning families who wait too long could permanently lose money they are entitled to.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Spring is a wonderful time to welcome a baby and claiming Child Benefit as soon as possible means your family can benefit from much needed financial support. It is quick and easy to claim via the HMRC app.”
Parents can apply 48 hours after registering the birth, needing the child’s birth or adoption certificate, bank details, and National Insurance numbers for themselves and their partner. Claiming also provides National Insurance credits, protecting future State Pension entitlement, and ensures children receive a National Insurance number automatically before age 16.
Families with income over £60,000 may face the High Income Child Benefit Charge but can still claim to receive credits. HMRC now allows eligible families to pay the charge through PAYE rather than filing a Self Assessment return. More details are available on GOV.UK.
