Register the birth now say HMRC

Parents in Scotland are being urged to register the birth of their newborns, so HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) can verify their Child Benefit claims.
By John A. MacInnes
Published 16th Dec 2020, 09:25 BST
Register the birth now to keep getting the benefit say HMRCRegister the birth now to keep getting the benefit say HMRC
Register the birth now to keep getting the benefit say HMRC

Normally, a birth must be registered before claiming Child Benefit. However, with some local authorities operating registration offices differently to usual, and some parents unable to travel to them because of COVID-19, HMRC announced in April that claims could be made without having to register the child’s birth first.

More than 100,000 parents across the UK have been able to take advantage of this temporary change, ensuring they receive this vital form of financial support. But to ensure they continue to receive the benefit they should register the birth as soon as they can, if they have not done so already.

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Registration offices in Scotland are operating at the capacity needed to ensure parents can register births.

HMRC will be contacting anyone who has claimed since April but has not yet registered their child’s birth so that the claim can be verified. Parents will receive an SMS text message or letter asking them to contact their local registration office and make an appointment to register their child.

Related topics:ParentsHMRCScotlandChild BenefitCovid-19