To think this was really unclear? Child benefit.

[effiesgoldwig]

10 years or so ago when my two oldest children were tiny and the Tory party took over they announced a cap on benefits after the first two children.

Last year I had long awaited baby 3. I didn't bother applying for child benefit for them because of the benefit cap.

Last week by chance I stumbled onto the child benefit section of the gov.uk website where lo and behold it says "there is no limit to how many children you can claim for"

Turns out it's UC and housing benefits etc that are capped and not child benefit. I was astounded.

Anyway... AIBU to have assumed that's what the benefit cap meant? Did anyone else think this or is it just me?

I'm a bit annoyed with myself tbh as I've missed out on about £50 a month for the last year, but it's going to come in handy now at least.

nope, I’ve always claimed CB for my 3rd child.

Im surprised they did not ask you / tell you when you did their birth certificate? It’s a one stop shop here!

You can backdate it up to 3 months.

I also didn't know this! We had DC3 last year, and like you never bothered adding her to the child benefit claim as I was under the impression that it was capped at 2 children.

It’s was very clear it only applied to child tax credits

It doesn't only apply to tax credits though

I think it’s pretty clear so I’m not surprised you are annoyed at yourself. But atleast you no now!

Ok it was clear it was child tax credits not child benefit, it was imo anyway. What else does it apply to?

The registry office was socially distanced and masks on last year when I went. Box ticking, not much chitchat so no they didn't mention it.

@TheHopefulMum if my post means you can claim now I'm glad I did it!

And to be honest the whole system of applying for anything seems insanely complicated to me and I consider myself fairly competent.

If it's any consolation you can claim up to 3 months? So that's a little bit better atleast!!!