UK Child Benefit Increase 2025 Confirmed: Parents across the United Kingdom can expect a welcome financial boost this April, as Child Benefit payments are set to increase from 7 April 2025. The government has confirmed new rates that will automatically benefit millions of families claiming this essential support.
New Child Benefit Rates for 2025
The updated payment structure brings meaningful increases for all eligible families. From 7 April 2025, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, rising from the previous rate of £25.60. This represents an annual payment of £1,354.60 for the first child.
For additional children, families will receive £17.25 per week for each subsequent child, up from £16.95, equating to £897 annually per additional child. These increases follow the Consumer Price Index inflation rate of 1.7% for the year to September 2024.
Quick Rate Comparison
The increases translate to meaningful additional support throughout the year:
- First child: £26.05 weekly (previously £25.60) – an extra £23.40 annually
- Additional children: £17.25 weekly (previously £16.95) – an extra £15.60 per child annually
Payment Schedule and Automatic Updates
Existing claimants won’t need to take any action to receive their increased payments. Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks and will automatically be paid into a bank account. The enhanced rates will be processed seamlessly through HMRC’s existing payment system.
There is no limit to how many children parents can claim for, making this increase particularly beneficial for larger families. The automatic nature of the update ensures parents can focus on their daily responsibilities without administrative burdens.
How to Claim and Manage Your Benefits
For new parents, claiming Child Benefit has become increasingly streamlined. The quickest and easiest way for parents and carers to claim, view and manage Child Benefit payments is by downloading the free and secure HMRC app. The digital service offers remarkable efficiency, with new claimants potentially receiving their first payment in just three days.
Digital Service Success
The move towards digital claiming has proven highly successful. Over 1.2 million parents have claimed their Child Benefit through the HMRC app or via the digital service, since the service went online in May 2023. This shift has resulted in more than 87% of claims now being processed digitally.
Families have embraced the convenience, with the app being used more than 6 million times in the last year to manage Child Benefit payments. The platform allows parents to update personal details, track payments, and receive notifications about their claims.
Important Considerations for Higher Earners
The High Income Child Benefit Charge continues to apply for families with higher earnings. If either the claimant or their partner has an individual income of between £60,000 and £80,000, the higher earner will be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
This threshold increased from the previous range of £50,000 to £60,000, providing relief for many middle-income families. Parents in this bracket can still claim Child Benefit to secure National Insurance credits while managing their tax obligations effectively.
Additional Benefits of Claiming
Beyond the direct financial support, Child Benefit provides several long-term advantages. Child Benefit claimants receive National Insurance (NI) credits which count towards their future eligibility for the State Pension. This proves particularly valuable for parents not in paid employment or receiving credits through other routes.
Claiming Child Benefit also makes sure the child automatically gets their National Insurance number when they turn 16, eliminating future administrative hassles for families.
Acting Quickly for New Claims
Parents with newborn babies should act swiftly when making their initial claim. Families are encouraged to claim Child Benefit as soon as they can after their baby is born as it can only be backdated up to 3 months. This timing restriction makes early claiming essential for maximizing family income.
Looking Forward
The 2025 increase reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting working families during challenging economic times. These enhanced rates provide crucial financial stability for millions of households across the UK, helping parents manage the rising costs of raising children.
With the streamlined digital claiming process and automatic payment increases, accessing and managing Child Benefit has never been more straightforward. Parents can confidently rely on this support system while focusing on what matters most – caring for their families.
