Yes, being on maternity leave or receiving Statutory Maternity Pay does not normally stop you claiming Child Benefit if you are responsible for a qualifying child. You can usually claim from the day after your child is born, once the birth has been registered, using the official GOV.UK service or form CH2. Your household income may trigger the High Income Child Benefit Charge, but maternity pay is only one part of the income calculation and the outcome depends on your adjusted net income. Claiming can also protect National Insurance credits for the person caring for a child under 12, so check GOV.UK if you are unsure whether to claim or opt out of payments.