Newborns Still Eligible for Child Benefit Despite Coronavirus
Good news for new parents! HMRC has confirmed that Child Benefit claims can continue even though General Register Offices are closed due to coronavirus. No need to delay — parents can apply without registering their baby’s birth first.
How to Claim Child Benefit During Lockdown
- First-time parents must complete the Child Benefit claim form CH2 online and send it to the Child Benefit Office.
- If the birth isn’t registered yet because of COVID-19, simply add a note to the claim explaining the delay.
- Existing claimants can add their newborn’s details by phone on 0300 200 3100 using their National Insurance or Child Benefit number.
- Claims can be backdated up to three months, so no need to panic if you’re late.
Child Benefit Rates Increase from April
From 6 April, Child Benefit payments rise to £21.05 per week for the first child and £13.95 for each additional child. Payments are usually made every four weeks directly into your bank account.
Remember, only one parent can claim Child Benefit per child. For couples where one partner isn’t working or paying National Insurance, claiming in their name helps protect their State Pension.
Officials Urge Parents to Claim to Protect State Pension
“We need people to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives. Today’s change means new parents won’t miss out financially and can keep their families safe,” said Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Jesse Norman.
“The Government will do whatever it takes to support people and the NHS during this outbreak, and HMRC are working around the clock to help families and businesses across the UK.”
Angela MacDonald, HMRC Director General for Customer Services, added: “It’s really important that new parents remember to register for Child Benefit, even during these unprecedented times.
“The increase in Child Benefit is a boost for family budgets but there’s more to claiming than the payments. We’re encouraging people to claim so they don’t miss out on National Insurance credits that help protect their State Pension. It also helps children get their National Insurance number automatically at 16.”
What About High Earners and the Child Benefit Tax Charge?
High-income families earning over £50,000 may face the Child Benefit tax charge, even if only one partner claims. The tax is 1% of the Child Benefit for every £100 earned over £50,000.
But HMRC stresses it’s still worth claiming Child Benefit to protect your State Pension. If you prefer to avoid the tax charge, you can choose to opt out of payments while still securing National Insurance credits.
Use the Child Benefit tax calculator to see what you might owe.
This is one lockdown benefit no parent should miss out on!
