Many new parents across the UK are failing to claim Child Benefit during their baby’s first year, according to HMRC, potentially missing out on hundreds of pounds in support. The tax authority said claims can only be backdated by up to three months, leaving some households without money they were entitled to receive.
The warning comes as more than 6.8 million families currently receive Child Benefit payments. HMRC said over 30 percent of new parents are not making a claim during their child’s first year, despite the payments being available shortly after a birth is registered.
Parents can begin a Child Benefit claim 48 hours after registering a baby’s birth. According to HMRC, using the HMRC app is one of the quickest ways to apply and manage payments, which are usually transferred automatically into a bank account every four weeks.
Thousands of Families May Be Losing Out on Support
The figures released by HMRC relate to babies born between April and June last year, a period during which more than 140,000 births were recorded. The government department said many families are delaying claims and, in some cases, losing access to payments that cannot later be fully recovered.
Child Benefit currently pays £27.05 per week for an eldest or only child, equal to £1,406.60 annually. Additional children qualify for £17.90 per week, or £930.80 a year. There is no cap on the number of children a household can claim for.
Because claims are only backdated for a maximum of three months, parents who delay applying could miss out on £108.20 a month. According to HMRC, this means eligible households claiming after the deadline period may lose up to £327 in backpayments.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said the process was designed to be accessible for new parents adjusting to family life. “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,” she said. She added that applying through the HMRC app allows parents to complete the process “at a time that suits you.”
HMRC Pushes Digital Claims as Families Manage Rising Costs
HMRC has increasingly encouraged families to use digital services to manage tax and benefit matters. According to a recent survey cited by the department, around half of parents with children under 18 said they would prefer to handle all tax-related matters digitally.
To support this effort, HMRC has also published guidance videos online explaining how parents can make a Child Benefit claim and access their accounts through the app.
The department noted that some higher earners may still face additional tax charges linked to the benefit. If either claimant or their partner earns more than £60,000 annually, they may be required to pay the High-Income Child Benefit Charge. HMRC said more information on repayments and reporting is available through the government’s PAYE digital service.
The latest figures arrive as many households continue to monitor rising living costs and changes to government support schemes. HMRC has not indicated any planned changes to Child Benefit rates or eligibility rules, though officials are continuing efforts to encourage earlier claims among new parents. According to HMRC, making a claim soon after registering a birth remains the best way for families to avoid losing part of the support available to them.
