HMRC Urges 2,000 Parents to Claim Their Free £1,331 Today
With around 2,000 babies born on 26 September each year, more than any other day, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging parents to claim their Child Benefit entitlement. Claiming online means families could receive their first payment within just a week of their baby’s birth. Child Benefit is worth up to £1,331 a year for the first child and £881 for each additional child.
Claims can be made using the free and secure HMRC app or online, 48 hours after the baby’s birth has been registered. Payments are typically made within three days, allowing parents to receive their first payment within a week. Claims can also be backdated for up to three months.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, highlighted, “With more babies set to be born on 26 September than any other day, we hope that parents of these newborns take full advantage of their Child Benefit entitlement. We’ve made it simpler than ever to claim online and receive a first payment within as little as three days – so download the app today or search on GOV.UK.”
HMRC has released a YouTube video that explains what new parents need to do and how to make a claim. To make a claim, families will need their child’s birth or adoption certificate, bank details, National Insurance number for themselves and their partner if they have one, child’s original birth or adoption certificate and passport or travel document for children born outside the UK.
The amount reduces if one person in the household earns between £60,000 and £80,000 and is subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. For families falling into this category, the online Child Benefit tax calculator estimates the Benefit and the potential charge.
Moreover, by claiming Child Benefit, claimants will receive National Insurance (NI) credits. These credits are vital as individuals need a minimum of 10 years of NI credits to claim some State Pension, with 35 years being needed for the full State Pension.
Even if living in a household subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge, claimants opting out of receiving a payment they may need to repay will still receive NI credits if they claim Child Benefit.
For families who were subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge under the previous £50,000 threshold and wish to restart their payments, they can use the online form on GOV.UK. By taking prompt action, parents can have the money within seven days if they claim as soon as possible.