With Christmas around the corner, HMRC urges parents to claim Child Benefit now to ensure they don’t miss out on extra support this festive season. Many families overlook this important payment, but it can make a real difference—especially during the expensive Christmas period.
In this article, we’ll explain what Child Benefit is, who qualifies, how to claim it quickly, and why it matters more than ever during the holiday season.
What Is Child Benefit?
Child Benefit is a regular payment from the UK government to help parents with the costs of raising children. It comes from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and is available to most families living in the UK.
You get Child Benefit if:
- You are responsible for a child under 16
- Or a child under 20 who stays in approved education or training
- You live in the UK
- You apply for it (it’s not automatic!)
Many parents don’t realise they need to apply themselves. HMRC issues regular reminders, but still, thousands miss out every year.
Why HMRC Urges Parents to Claim Child Benefit for Christmas
The end of the year brings extra expenses—gifts, food, clothes, and heating bills. That’s why HMRC urges parents to claim Child Benefit for Christmas. If you apply now, you may receive payments in time to ease some of those seasonal costs.
Benefits of claiming before Christmas:
- Extra money to cover festive spending
- Backdated payments of up to 3 months if you qualify
- Automatic National Insurance credits for stay-at-home parents
- Support with future government benefits
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive, recently said:
“We want to remind parents that Child Benefit is not automatic. If you’ve just had a baby or become responsible for a child, claim it now. It could help with the extra costs of Christmas.”
How Much Is Child Benefit in 2025?
As of 2025, the Child Benefit rates are:
- £25.60 per week for the first child
- £16.95 per week for each additional child
That means a family with two children can receive £42.55 per week, or over £2,200 per year.
Even if one parent earns over £60,000, you can still claim and choose not to receive the payments to protect your National Insurance record.
Who Should Apply?
New parents, guardians, and anyone taking responsibility for a child should apply. It does not matter if your income is high or low. You may still benefit.
You should claim if:
- You had a baby recently
- You adopted a child
- You’re fostering a child long-term
- You started caring for a relative’s child
- Your child turned 16 but stays in education or training
Even grandparents who care for children full-time can apply in some cases.
How to Claim Child Benefit
Claiming Child Benefit is simple and free. You can apply online, by post, or by phone. The fastest and easiest way is online through the HMRC website.
Steps to claim:
- Register your child’s birth (if newborn)
- Get a Child Benefit claim form (CH2)
- Fill in the form with your details and your child’s information
- Send the form to HMRC or follow the online process
- Wait for confirmation and payment
Make sure you apply as soon as possible. Child Benefit can only be backdated for up to three months.
What If You Delay?
Delaying your claim could mean:
- Missing out on hundreds of pounds
- Losing National Insurance credits
- Less support during Christmas
- Delays in getting other family-related benefits
HMRC is pushing this reminder now so that families can act in time.
What Are National Insurance Credits?
When you claim Child Benefit, HMRC gives National Insurance (NI) credits to the parent who stays home to care for the child. These credits protect your State Pension.
Many parents, mostly mothers, take time off work for childcare. Without these credits, their pension could suffer. By claiming Child Benefit—even if you choose not to get the money—you still get the credits.
Common Myths About Child Benefit
There are many myths that stop parents from claiming Child Benefit. Let’s clear them up.
Myth 1: “I earn too much to claim”
Fact: You can still apply. If you or your partner earn over £60,000, you may face the High Income Child Benefit Charge, but you can opt out of the payments and still receive the NI credits.
Myth 2: “It happens automatically after birth”
Fact: No. Child Benefit is not automatic. You must apply.
Myth 3: “It’s not worth the effort”
Fact: It is! Even one child can bring you over £1,300 a year. It takes just minutes to apply.
High Income Child Benefit Charge: What You Need to Know
If you or your partner earns over £50,000 a year, you may need to pay back some or all of the Child Benefit through tax.
This is called the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).
Here’s how it works:
- Earn £50,000 to £60,000: You repay part of the benefit
- Earn over £60,000: You repay the full amount
You can still claim the benefit but choose not to receive the payments. This way, you keep your NI credits and don’t have to repay anything.
Real-Life Example
Let’s say Emma just had her first baby in September. She didn’t know she had to apply for Child Benefit. In November, she sees HMRC’s reminder and sends in her claim.
Because she applied before Christmas, her payments start in December. She also receives backdated payments for September, October, and November. That’s nearly £300 just in time for the holidays!
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
With inflation, energy bills, and food prices still high, families are struggling. Every little bit helps. HMRC’s reminder is timely.
Reasons to act now:
- Christmas spending is rising fast
- Childcare costs continue to climb
- Government support is stretched
- Claiming is quick and free
If you wait, you might miss out on what you deserve.
How to Check If You’re Already Getting It
Not sure if you’re already claiming? You can check your HMRC account online or call the Child Benefit helpline.
You’ll need your National Insurance number and some basic details. It takes just a few minutes.
Claiming for Older Children
If your child turns 16 this year but stays in full-time education or training, you can keep receiving Child Benefit until they turn 20.
Make sure to let HMRC know about their school or college. They will send you a form when your child turns 16.
Don’t ignore it—otherwise, payments will stop!
Summary: What You Need to Do
To make the most of Child Benefit this Christmas, follow these simple steps:
Quick Checklist
- Had a baby or started caring for a child recently?
- Claimed Child Benefit yet?
- Checked if your older child still qualifies?
- Considered applying even if you earn over £60k?
If not, act now!
Final Thoughts
HMRC urges parents to claim Child Benefit for Christmas, and for good reason. It can ease your financial burden, secure your future pension, and give your family the support it deserves.
