HMRC has confirmed that thousands of UK households are eligible for backpayments of up to £327 in Child Benefit, urging new parents to come forward and claim what they are owed. The government's tax arm revealed that more than 30 per cent of new parents are missing out on payments by not claiming in their baby's first year.
Child Benefit figures and missed opportunities
Currently, 6.8 million families receive Child Benefit, but statistics show that one in three new parents delay their claim, missing out on crucial financial support. Between April and June last year, over 140,000 babies were born, yet many families have not claimed the benefit promptly.
Child Benefit is worth £27.05 per week (£1,406.60 per year) for the eldest or only child, and £17.90 per week (£930.80 per year) for each additional child, with no limit on the number of children. Claims can be backdated for up to three months from the date HMRC receives the claim, meaning families could receive up to £327 in backdated payments.
How to claim via the HMRC app
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 Child Benefit via the HMRC app at a time that suits you.”
Parents can claim 48 hours after the baby's birth is registered, but only if done within three months for backdating. The HMRC app allows parents to access their Child Benefit account easily. A recent survey found that half of parents with children under 18 prefer to handle tax matters digitally.
HMRC has also released a YouTube video explaining the claim process. Payments are typically made every four weeks directly into a bank account. However, if a claimant or their partner earns over £60,000 per year, they may be liable for the High-Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC), with details available on the HICBC PAYE digital service on GOV.UK.
