After registering
Child benefit
You can claim Child Benefit as soon as you've registered your child's birth. Child Benefit can be backdated for up to three months. Information about Child Benefit can be found here, including the Child Benefit claim form CH2 if you cannot apply online. You can also find information for the small minority of families who may be eligible for the High-Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).
You can make a claim for Child Benefit online at GOV.uk. There are also options to apply by post or phone.
If you already have a Child Benefit claim, you can also add another child to an existing claim at GOV.uk.
Registering your child with a doctor
New parents can register their baby with a doctor's practice without a birth certificate.
Applying for a correction to your existing birth registration
If you want to make a correction or change to an existing registration, you will need to apply online.
Family support
Welcoming a new child to a family can sometimes put stress on relationships. You can find information on the resources and online sessions we provide that can help you here.