Thousands of UK Parents Miss Out on Child Benefit Due to Late Claims, HMRC Warns

New parents across the United Kingdom are reportedly missing out on thousands of pounds in child benefit payments due to delays in submitting their claims, according to recent figures from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The government body responsible for tax collection and benefit administration has highlighted that a substantial number of families are failing to apply for the support in a timely manner. This delay means many parents are not receiving the full amount they are entitled to, which stands at £27 each week for the eldest or only child. Subsequent children qualify for a weekly payment of £18. The benefit is designed to assist with the costs of raising a family and is a non-means-tested payment, meaning eligibility is not based on income, although high earners may face a tax charge. The critical issue, as reported by BBC Business, is that while parents can backdate their child benefit claims, there is a strict limit of three months. This means that if a claim is submitted more than three months after a child's birth, or after they come to live with the claimant, any benefit payments for the period beyond this three-month window will be permanently lost. HMRC encourages new parents to apply for child benefit as soon as their child is born or comes to live with them. The process typically involves filling out a form and providing the child's birth certificate or adoption certificate. Even if one parent earns over £50,000, which triggers the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC), it is still advisable to claim the benefit. Claiming ensures that national insurance credits are received, which contribute towards state pension entitlement, and that the child automatically receives a National Insurance number at age 16. Parents can opt out of receiving the payments to avoid the HICBC, but still claim the benefit to secure the national insurance credits and the child's national insurance number. This guidance aims to prevent families from inadvertently losing out on crucial financial assistance and future entitlements. The government regularly reviews benefit rates, with the current figures in effect for the present tax year.