New parents are being left hundreds of pounds poorer due to delays in claiming Child Benefit payments, HM Revenue and Customs figures reveal. In some cases, families may miss out on over £350 in crucial financial support designed to help with childcare costs.
Child Benefit provides £27.05 per week for the eldest or only child and £17.90 per week for each additional child, paid every four weeks. But parents who don't claim before their child's first birthday could lose out on a significant amount of money, as payments can only be backdated for a maximum of three months.
Official data suggests that claims are not made for nearly a third of children eligible for Child Benefit before they reach their first birthday. While some families may choose not to claim due to the High Income Child Benefit Charge, many others are simply unaware or overwhelmed by the demands of new parenthood. In the year leading up to August 2025, over 6.8 million parents received Child Benefit, yet only 69% of these claims were initiated before the child's first birthday.
To claim Child Benefit, parents need their child's birth or adoption certificate, bank details, National Insurance number, and their partner's details if applicable. Claims can be made as soon as 48 hours after a baby's birth is registered. Claiming also provides valuable National Insurance credits that contribute towards an individual's State Pension – a vital consideration for long-term financial planning.
The economic impact of unclaimed benefits can be substantial, particularly during times of high inflation. Missed Child Benefit payments reduce disposable income and exacerbate the pressures on family budgets, with reduced spending power potentially dampening demand in businesses such as retail and early years services.