How to Claim Child Benefit After a Baby Is Born
Rates checked 8 November 2026 for tax year 2026/27. Always confirm current rates and rules on GOV.UK before acting. This is an independent guide, NOT GOV.UK, NOT HMRC.
When to claim
You can claim Child Benefit 48 hours after your baby's birth has been registered, or as soon as a child comes to live with you. Do not wait: a claim can only be backdated for up to 3 months from the date HMRC receives it, so a late claim can lose real money.
The 3-month backdating rule, with an example
If you claim 6 months after your baby was born, HMRC can backdate the claim by up to 3 months only. That means roughly the first 3 months are lost. For an eldest or only child at the 2026/27 rate of £27.05 a week, 3 months is about 13 weeks, or about £351.65. Claim in the first weeks and this loss does not happen.
| Step | When |
|---|---|
| Register the birth | As soon as you can after the birth |
| Claim Child Benefit | 48 hours after registration |
| First payment | Usually every 4 weeks into your bank or building society account; online claims can be paid within 3 days according to Citizens Advice, paper claims take longer |
| Backdating limit | Up to 3 months from the date HMRC receives the claim |
What you need
In general terms, GOV.UK asks for your National Insurance number, your partner's National Insurance number if you have one, your bank or building society details, and your child's birth or adoption certificate. You do not enter any of these on this site. If you do not have the birth certificate yet, you can still start the claim and provide the certificate later; the claim may take longer while HMRC waits for proof.
How to claim
1. Online on GOV.UK
Claim through the GOV.UK Child Benefit service with a Government Gateway account. This is the fastest route for most parents.
2. HMRC app
Claim through the HMRC app. HMRC urges new parents to use the app or GOV.UK online so the first payment arrives as quickly as possible.
3. Paper form CH2
If you cannot claim online, complete Child Benefit form CH2 and send it to the Child Benefit Office. Paper claims take longer, so post it promptly.
Who claims, and why it matters beyond the money
Only one person can claim Child Benefit for a child. The claimant also gets National Insurance credits, which count towards the State Pension. That is one reason guides warn against not claiming at all, even if your income is high: see our HICBC guide for the opt-out option, which preserves the credits without paying the charge.
Common mistakes
Waiting until the baby is several months old and losing backdating; assuming a high income means you should not claim at all; and using a non-official claim site. Claim only through GOV.UK, the HMRC app, or form CH2 sent to the Child Benefit Office.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after my baby is born can I claim?
48 hours after the birth has been registered, or as soon as a child comes to live with you.
How far back can a claim be backdated?
Up to 3 months from the date HMRC receives the claim.
What if I do not have the birth certificate yet?
You can still start the claim and provide the certificate later. The claim may take longer while HMRC waits for proof.
How much is Child Benefit in 2026/27?
£27.05 a week for the eldest or only child and £17.90 a week for each additional child. See our rates page.
How often am I paid?
Normally every 4 weeks into a bank or building society account.