HMRC Announces Significant Child Benefit Increase from April 6
Millions of families across the United Kingdom are set to receive a welcome financial boost as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) confirms an increase in Child Benefit payments, effective from Monday, April 6. This uplift will provide additional support to help cover the rising costs associated with raising children in the UK.
Enhanced Payment Rates for Families
From April 6, the weekly Child Benefit rate for the eldest or only child will rise to £27.05, up from the previous £26.05. This translates to an annual entitlement of £1,406.60, offering over £1,400 per year to assist with essential expenses. For any subsequent children, the rate will be £17.90 per week, equating to £930.80 annually.
There is no limit on the number of children for which parents can claim Child Benefit, making this a crucial resource for larger families. However, recent statistics highlight a concerning gap: while over 6.9 million families currently receive these payments, only 72% of families claimed it during their baby's first year, potentially missing out on early financial aid.
Urgent Call to Claim and Avoid Missing Out
HMRC is urging parents who have not yet accessed this free government support to apply promptly. Claims can be submitted online and backdated for up to three months from the date of application. It is critical to note that claims can only be backdated from when HMRC receives them, meaning delays could result in thousands of families losing out on substantial sums.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's chief customer officer, emphasised the importance of timely claims: "Looking after a child can be expensive, especially a newborn baby. It takes a few minutes to claim Child Benefit via the app and doing so as soon as you can after your baby is born will ensure you don't miss out on vital financial support."
Additionally, claiming Child Benefit ensures that children automatically receive their National Insurance number upon turning 16, a key administrative benefit for their future.
Streamlined Management via HMRC App
Child Benefit is typically deposited into a bank account every four weeks, and recipients can conveniently monitor payments through the HMRC app. Since April 2025, over 928,000 parents have utilised the app to manage their Child Benefit accounts, enabling them to:
- Make a new claim
- Update changes in circumstances
- Amend personal or bank details
- Add additional children to a claim
- View or print Proof of Entitlement to Child Benefit
- Notify HMRC if children are continuing in full-time, non-advanced education or approved training
Changes to High Income Child Benefit Charge Threshold
Alongside the payment increase, the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) threshold has been raised to £60,000. If you or your partner earns over this amount, you can still claim the full Child Benefit but must repay 1% of the total for every £200 earned above £60,000. Importantly, this charge applies based on individual earnings, not combined household income, meaning a couple each earning £55,000 would not be subject to it.
How to Apply for Child Benefit
The application process can be initiated online, requiring the following documents:
- Your child’s birth or adoption certificate (if available)
- Your bank or building society details
- Your National Insurance number
- Your partner’s National Insurance number (if applicable)
Parents can apply without a birth or adoption certificate, but this may delay processing, as HMRC may request it later for verification. For children born outside the UK, you will need to provide the original birth or adoption certificate along with the child's passport or travel document used to enter the country.
For assistance, individuals can contact the Child Benefit Office, ensuring they have their National Insurance number ready to facilitate access to their details. This update represents a significant step in supporting families amidst ongoing economic pressures, with HMRC encouraging all eligible parents to take advantage of the increased benefits.
