Parents of newborn babies can still claim Child Benefit despite the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) and the restrictions surrounding it.

Under the national social distancing rules, Ealing Council’s register office is currently closed. However, to make sure parents do not miss out on support, they can still claim benefit without having to register their child’s birth first.

Councillor Yvonne Johnson, the council’s cabinet member for schools and children said: “It’s really important that new parents remember to register for Child Benefit in these unprecedented times when financial support is so vital. Don’t miss out and make sure you make a claim by phone or post.”

First time parents will need to fill in Child Benefit claim form CH2 found online and send it to the Child Benefit Office. If you have not registered the birth because of COVID-19, you need to add a note to your claim.

If you are already claiming Child Benefit, complete the form or add the newborn’s details over the phone on 0300 200 3100.

You will need your National Insurance number or Child Benefit number.

Your benefit claims can be backdated by up to three months.

The new payment amounts from the 6 April are available online.

For other financial help during the coronavirus crisis, you can visit the council’s coronavirus web pages.