Child Benefit - back dated?

[FunnyOrca]

I just want to check that I understand correctly.

My baby is 2.5 months old. I applied today for child benefit. I did not apply sooner as I did not know about the NI credits I could receive, which was stupid of me, I agree.

At the start of the application, it said the benefit would be back dated by up to 3 months. At the end of the application it said it can take 12 weeks to process. I assume the back dating is 3 months prior to application , not processing? (Therefore giving me continuous NI credit after finishing work?) Is anyone able to correct me or reassure?

Backdated from date of application

Yes, you are correct.

No it's from when they process it not the date you sent it, and I waited a lot longer than 12 weeks then they needed additional information which I sent straight away and even that took weeks, I sent my application mid July finally got my 3 month back payment over christmas.

Can I ask what happened with your NI contributions?

Why did you not take maternity leave? ... just curious.