Millions of UK Families to Pocket Bigger Child Benefit from April
More than 6.9 million families across the UK will see a boost in their Child Benefit payments starting next week, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed. Parents are set to get extra cash to help tackle the rising costs of raising kids.
How Much More Will You Get?
- The eldest or only child payment jumps to £27.05 per week (£1,406.60 per year), up £52 annually.
- Each additional child now earns £17.90 per week (£930.80 per year), a £33.80 increase.
- And there’s no cap — parents can claim for as many children as they have.
Don’t Miss Out – Claim Early!
While millions already claim Child Benefit, only 72% of families apply within their baby’s first year. Delaying could cost you cash, as claims can only be backdated by three months.
Thousands of new parents miss out on vital payments by putting off their claim. The quickest way to apply is through HMRC’s free and secure app or online service.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, says: “Looking after a child can be expensive, especially a newborn. Claiming Child Benefit via the app takes just minutes and ensures you get the financial support you deserve.”
Manage Your Claim with Ease via HMRC App
Since April 2025, over 928,000 parents have used the HMRC app to:
- Make new claims
- Update personal details
- Change bank information
- Add more children to claims
- Print Proofs of Entitlement
- Confirm children’s continuing education
Payments come every four weeks, paid automatically into your bank account.
What You Need to Claim
- Child’s birth or adoption certificate
- Bank account details
- Parents’ National Insurance numbers
- If child born abroad: birth certificate plus passport or travel documents
Extra Help Available from MoneyHelper
Anna Sharkey from the Money and Pensions Service advises: “Try MoneyHelper’s free checker to see if you qualify for Child Benefit and other supports. Use their budgeting tools to get your finances in order.”
Visit MoneyHelper for impartial money advice.
Watch Out: High Income Child Benefit Charge
If you or your partner earn over £60,000, beware the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). You can manage payments via your tax code instead of Self Assessment.
If you’ve stopped receiving payments to avoid the charge, restarting is easy via the app or online — and you’ll still earn National Insurance credits.
Don’t hang about! Claim your Child Benefit now and get the extra cash to help with soaring bills!
