HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is calling on UK parents to claim the Child Benefit they may be owed, as new data reveals that more than 30% of new parents are missing out on payments by not applying within their baby’s first year. Currently, 6.8 million families are receiving Child Benefit, but thousands could receive additional funds if they act promptly.
Between April and June last year, over 140,000 babies were born, yet many parents have yet to claim the financial support available to them. Child Benefit provides £27.05 per week (£1,406.60 annually) for the eldest or only child and £17.90 per week (£930.80 annually) for each additional child, with no limit on the number of children covered.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, emphasized the importance of claiming early: “Spring is a wonderful time to welcome a baby, and claiming Child Benefit as soon as possible means your family can receive vital financial support. It’s quick and easy to apply via the HMRC app at a time that suits you.”
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Parents can claim Child Benefit as early as 48 hours after registering their baby’s birth. However, claims can only be backdated up to three months from the date HMRC receives the application. This limitation means many families miss out on payments they are entitled to—potentially totaling £108.20 per month or £327 for the full three months.
The HMRC app allows parents to access their Child Benefit account and submit claims quickly and conveniently. Reflecting the demand for digital services, a recent survey found that half of parents with children under 18 prefer to manage their tax matters online.
Payments are typically made every four weeks automatically into the claimant’s bank account. However, claimants or their partners with an annual income over £60,000 must be aware of the High-Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC), information about which is available through HMRC’s digital services.
By acting promptly and claiming through the HMRC app, thousands of UK families can secure much-needed financial support for their children.