New parents in Renfrewshire are being urged to claim Child Benefit as soon as possible after new figures showed many families are missing out on payments during their baby’s first year.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said more than 30 per cent of new parents across the UK are delaying claims, despite support being available shortly after a birth is registered.
Child Benefit is currently worth £27.05 a week for the eldest or only child and £17.90 a week for each additional child.
HMRC said more than 6.8 million families received Child Benefit in the year to August 2025, but only 68.8 per cent claimed before their child’s first birthday.
Parents can make a claim online or through the HMRC app. Claims can be submitted 48 hours after a baby’s birth is registered.
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.”
HMRC warned claims can only be backdated for up to three months from the date they are received.
Parents making a new claim will need their child’s birth or adoption certificate, bank details and National Insurance numbers.
Families where one parent earns more than £60,000 a year may also have to pay the High-Income Child Benefit Charge.