HMRC warns parents to act 'before midnight' or face losing £1,300 each

HMRC, which is now working under the new Labour Party government, has called on mums and dads to come forward for £1,331 worth of Child Benefit amid the Cost of Living crisis.

HMRC has warned parents risk losing £1,331 unless they act before midnight. HMRC, which is now working under the new Labour Party government, has called on mums and dads to come forward for £1,331 worth of Child Benefit amid the Cost of Living crisis.

You could have the money within seven days if you claim as soon as possible. HMRC explained around 2,000 babies are born on 26 September each year, more than any other day, with parents able to claim their Child Benefit entitlement.

Child Benefit is worth up to £1,331 a year for the first child and £881 for each additional child. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “With more babies set to be born on 26 September than any other day, we hope that parents of these newborns take full advantage of their Child Benefit entitlement.

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"We’ve made it simpler than ever to claim online and receive a first payment within as little as three days – so download the app today or search on GOV.UK.” To make a claim, families will need their child’s birth or adoption certificate and bank details.

Claimants need their National Insurance number for themselves and their partner, if they have one and also child's original birth or adoption certificate and passport or travel document, for children born outside the UK. The amount reduces if one person in the household earns between £60,000 and £80,000 and is subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge.

For families who fall into this category, the online Child Benefit tax calculator provides an estimate of how much benefit can be claimed, and what the charge may be. By claiming Child Benefit, claimants will also receive National Insurance (NI) credits.

People need a minimum of 10 years NI credits to claim some State Pension, with 35 years NI credits needed to obtain the full State Pension. This can help people who are not in paid employment and not receiving NI credits through their employer.