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Open petition: Allow Child Benefit to be backdated to the start of a child’s eligibility

Created by Michelle Garvey
Closes on

Amend the Social Security Administration Act 1992 to remove the strict three-month backdating limit for Child Benefit claims.

Families shouldn’t lose essential Child Benefit due to lack of awareness, illness, or complex rules. Misleading media reporting about a “2 child cap” caused confusion and delayed claims even where children were legally eligible. It’s unjust that statutory support is paid from the application date, not the true eligibility date.

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  • Petition published

    This petition can now be signed.

    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 10 February 2027.