Family and children – what to do and by when
Child Benefit, childcare support and school applications – claims with short backdating limits and fixed application deadlines.
- Claim Child Benefit for a new baby – it can only be backdated 3 months
You can claim Child Benefit 48 hours after you register the birth, or once a child comes to live with you.
Checked 20/10/2026 - Child Benefit after 16 – tell HMRC your child is staying in education
Child Benefit stops automatically on 31 August on or after your child's 16th birthday unless you tell HMRC they are staying in approved education or training.
Checked 20/10/2026 - Tax-Free Childcare – reconfirm your details every 3 months
For every £8 you pay into a childcare account, the government adds £2, up to £500 every 3 months for each child aged 11 or under.
Checked 20/10/2026 - 30 hours free childcare in England – apply by 31 December, 31 March or 31 August
Working parents in England may get 30 hours of free childcare a week for children aged 9 months to 4 years.
Checked 20/10/2026 - Secondary school applications in England – deadline 31 October
If your child is in Year 6, apply for a secondary school place through your local council by 31 October.
Checked 21/10/2026 - Primary school applications in England – deadline 15 January
If your child turns 4 between 1 September and 31 August, apply for a Reception place through your local council by 15 January.
Checked 21/10/2026 - Scottish Child Payment – weekly payment for children under 16
If you live in Scotland, look after a child under 16 and get Universal Credit or another qualifying benefit, you may be entitled to Scottish Child Payment of £28.20 a week for each child, paid every 4 weeks.
Checked 21/10/2026 - Best Start Grant School Age Payment in Scotland – apply by 28 February
If you live in Scotland, you may be entitled to a School Age Payment of £331.95 per child when your child starts school.
Checked 21/10/2026 - Bereavement Support Payment – claim within 3 months to get the full amount
If your husband, wife, civil partner or cohabiting partner has died and you are under State Pension age, you may be entitled to Bereavement Support Payment.
Checked 20/10/2026