Just after your baby is born you should receive an information pack containing a child benefit claim-pack. If you don’t receive one, you can get a CH2 claim-form by ringing HMRC (see below) or downloading one from www.gov.uk/child-benefit/how-to-claim .

You will be asked to send the birth or adoption certificate with the form. (If you cannot register the birth because of the coronavirus pandemic, you can still claim child benefit.) Send everything to the Child Benefit Office, PO Box 1, Newcastle upon Tyne NE88 1AA. Don’t delay making your claim; it can only be backdated for three months from the date HMRC receives it.

For more information, contact HMRC on 0300 200 3100 (Relay UK 18001 then 0300 200 3100).