A significant number of new parents in the UK are failing to claim Child Benefit within the crucial first year of their child’s life, potentially losing out on hundreds of pounds in government
support, according to new figures.
Data shows that while more than 6.8 million families received Child Benefit in the year to August 2025, only 68.8% of eligible parents submitted their claim before their child’s first birthday. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is now encouraging families who welcomed babies this spring to apply as soon as possible.
The issue is particularly pronounced among recent births: over 140,000 babies were born between April and June last year, yet a substantial proportion of parents are still not claiming the benefit promptly. HMRC estimates that more than 30% of new parents are missing out on payments during their baby’s first year by delaying applications.
Child Benefit currently provides £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 cap on the number of children eligible.
Parents are able to claim as soon as 48 hours after registering a birth, but payments can only be backdated up to three months from the date HMRC receives a claim—meaning delays can result in lost income.
HM Revenue and Customs Chief Customer Officer Myrtle Lloyd said spring is an ideal time to welcome a new baby and encouraged parents to claim without delay to ensure they receive financial support as quickly as possible.
She said the process is designed to be straightforward and can be completed digitally at any time.
A recent survey found that half of parents with children under 18 would prefer to manage all tax-related matters online, reflecting growing demand for digital services
Parents can submit a new claim using an online HMRC account or through the HMRC app. Applicants are required to provide their child’s birth or adoption certificate, bank details, and National Insurance numbers for themselves and their partner, where applicable. For children born outside the UK, additional documentation such as passports or travel documents is required.
HMRC has also published guidance videos online to support the application process, with payments typically made every four weeks directly into a bank account.
Families earning over £60,000 annually may be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC), with further guidance available via GOV.UK
Photo by Catherine Scott, Wikimedia commons.
