More than one million families have already gone digital. New parents who have not claimed yet could still get cash in their account before Christmas, but the window is closing fast.
What parents need to know right now HMRC is calling on new parents to apply online or through the app immediately. First payments can land within three working days. Claims can also be backdated by up to 12 weeks.
HMRC is urging parents to claim Child Benefit as soon as possible, with the festive season fast approaching and payment schedules set to shift. For families who have not yet put in a claim, this is the moment to act. Waiting could mean missing out on hundreds of pounds before Christmas, and potentially thousands over the following months.
£1,331 per year for the first child (2024 to 2025)
£881 per year for each additional child
3 days typical wait for first payment when claiming online
87% of new claims now made digitally each month
The Push to Go Digital, and Why It Matters Now
HMRC revealed that over one million families have used its new digital service since it launched earlier in 2024. The shift away from paper forms has been substantial. Whereas a postal claim could previously take up to 16 weeks to process, a digital claim through GOV.UK or the HMRC app takes about 10 minutes to complete and typically results in a payment within three working days.
“Having a baby is a busy and expensive time but claiming Child Benefit online or via the app means you will get cash in your bank account as soon as possible. Claim now and you could get your first payment in time for your baby’s first Christmas. Download the HMRC app today.”
Myrtle Lloyd, Director General for Customer Services, HMRC
Parents can apply as soon as 48 hours after registering their baby’s birth. For those who have been putting it off, the window to receive payment before Christmas is short but still open if they act now.
What You Will Actually Receive
Child Benefit is paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. Single parents and those on certain other benefits can request weekly payments instead. There is no limit on how many children parents can claim for, and the benefit is available to families regardless of whether they are employed, self-employed, or not working at all.
| Child | Weekly Amount | Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|
| First or only child | £25.60 per week | £1,331 per year |
| Each additional child | £16.95 per week | £881 per year |
Beyond the direct payments, claiming also builds up National Insurance credits. This matters especially for parents not currently in paid work, as these credits count toward the State Pension. Claiming also ensures a child is automatically issued a National Insurance number when they turn 16.
Christmas Payment Dates: What Is Changing
The holiday period disrupts the regular payment schedule, and some families in Northern Ireland will see specific timing shifts. HMRC has confirmed that Child Benefit payments due on Monday 30 December will not arrive in Northern Ireland accounts until Tuesday 31 December.
For most families expecting payment on 23 or 24 December, payments are expected to arrive on time. Claimants who normally receive their payment on 31 December will receive theirs as usual. Anyone with questions about their specific dates can check through the HMRC app or their online personal tax account.
What You Need to Start a Claim
Documents required
- Your child’s original birth or adoption certificate
- Passport or travel document for children born outside the UK
- An online HMRC account (set up on GOV.UK or through the HMRC app)
- Your bank account details for payments
The process is straightforward for most families. Once the claim is submitted, parents can track payment dates, update bank details, check payment history, and update personal details all within the same app. No need to call HMRC for routine changes.
Higher Earners: It Is Still Worth Claiming
Families where one person earns between £60,000 and £80,000 may be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). For every £200 of income above £60,000, one percent of the total Child Benefit received must be repaid. Those earning above £80,000 will effectively repay the full amount.
Important for higher earners If you claimed Child Benefit before 6 April 2024 and the higher earner had an income above £50,000 in the 2023 to 2024 tax year, you may need to pay the charge for that period and register for Self Assessment. Check your status via the HMRC Child Benefit tax calculator on GOV.UK.
Even for those who must repay the benefit in full, claiming remains worthwhile. The National Insurance credits alone make it worth putting a claim in. Whoever is not working should be the one to make the claim to protect their State Pension entitlement.
Families who previously opted out of payments when the threshold was £50,000 can restart their claims quickly online or through the HMRC app.
How to Claim Child Benefit Before Christmas
Three ways to apply: GOV.UK online service • HMRC app (free download) • Phone on 0300 200 3100 if online access is not available.
The fastest route is through the HMRC app or GOV.UK. A new in-app notification feature now lets claimants know the moment their claim is received. From that point, most families receive their first payment within three working days.
Claims can be backdated by up to 12 weeks, so the sooner a claim is submitted, the more money families could receive in that first payment. Waiting until the new year means losing out on those weeks of backdated support.
With Christmas costs climbing and bank balances under pressure, HMRC urges parents to claim Child Benefit for Christmas now and put that money to work for their family before the festive season is over.
