I just thought I’d let the UK mums know about what I found out this morning. Normally, you have to register your baby’s birth within 42 days under British law, and can usually do it in your local registry office or in the hospital where you have your baby if they have that facility. I was looking to see if I could register my baby in the hospital when she’s born, to save having to risk taking a new baby into town, only to find that (at least in Liverpool) they are suspending all birth registrations during the Coronavirus outbreak, regardless of where you were planning to do the registration.

I spoke to the HMRC, who said they are still going to process new child tax credit or new universal credit claims (depending on which way you’re eligible), as are the DWP going to process new child benefit claims, even without a birth certificate, just using the child’s date of birth and details, with their own paperwork being completed on their side once the birth certificate is available.

I would assume this is a countrywide change during the pandemic, but I would definitely say to check with your local council to see what their current policy is so you can be prepared. Xxx