Many new parents are failing to access important financial support.
According to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), one in three families are not claiming Child Benefit in their baby’s first year, leaving them short of up to £1,406.60.
The warning comes as more than 140,000 babies were born between April and June last year.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s chief customer officer, said: "Spring is a wonderful time to welcome a baby and claiming Child Benefit as soon as possible means your family can benefit from much-needed financial support.
"It is quick and easy to claim Child Benefit via the HMRC app at a time that suits you."
Only 68.8 per cent of parents claimed Child Benefit before their baby’s first birthday.
Families are missing out on up to £27.05 per week for an eldest or only child, which totals £1,406.60 per year.
Each additional child qualifies for £17.90 per week, or £930.80 per year.
Claims can be made 48 hours after registering a birth, but HMRC can only backdate payments for up to three months from the date it receives the claim.
This means families who delay applying could lose out on several months’ worth of support.
To claim Child Benefit, parents will need the child’s birth or adoption certificate, bank details, and National Insurance numbers for themselves and their partner if they have one.
For children born outside the UK, their passport or travel documents will also be required.
Child Benefit can be claimed through the HMRC app or online at the government website.
A recent survey by HMRC found that half of parents with children under 18 would prefer to handle all their tax matters digitally, underlining the push towards using the app and online services.
Share