HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued an urgent alert to households across the United Kingdom, highlighting that many families may be missing out on significant financial support. The tax authority under the Labour Party government has revealed that parents and carers could be entitled to claim up to £897 per year for each child, with the potential for payments to be backdated.
How to Claim Your Entitlement
In a recent post on X, formerly Twitter, HMRC delivered a crucial message. The department confirmed that Child Benefit can be claimed for every child you are responsible for, with no limit on the number of children. Importantly, a claim can be backdated for up to three months from the date of application. However, HMRC was clear that payments from before this three-month window cannot be recovered.
The quickest method to apply, according to the authority, is by using the free and secure HMRC app. For those already claiming for a first child, a separate online claim is needed for any additional children to secure the full annual amount.
Understanding Child Benefit Rates and Rules
Child Benefit is a government payment designed to help with the costs of raising a child. It is typically paid to the person responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they remain in approved education or training. While claims can be made for any number of children, only one parent or guardian can receive the benefit for each child.
Currently, there are two standard rates. For an eldest or only child, the payment is £26.05 per week. For any subsequent children, the rate is £17.25 per week per child. These sums are included in the overall benefit cap; affected households will still receive the full Child Benefit amount, but other benefits may be reduced accordingly.
The High Income Child Benefit Charge
HMRC also issued a warning for higher-earning families. If you or your partner's individual income exceeds a specific threshold, you may become liable for the High Income Child Benefit Charge. This charge can effectively claw back the benefit through the tax system, meaning some families may not see a net financial gain. It is essential to check the latest income thresholds on the GOV.UK website to understand how this may affect your household.
This alert serves as a timely reminder for all UK parents and guardians to ensure they are receiving all the financial support to which they are entitled, with a potential lump sum waiting for those who have not yet claimed.
