London,
Millions of families across the UK will see a boost in their Child Benefit payments starting next week, as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) rolls out increased rates to help ease household budgets.
From 7 April 2025, parents will receive:
• £26.05 per week (£1,354.60 per year) for their eldest or only child.
• £17.25 per week (£897 per year) for each additional child.
Payments are made every four weeks and are automatically deposited into parents’ bank accounts. There is no limit to the number of children for whom parents can claim Child Benefit.
Claiming and Managing Child Benefit Made Easier
HMRC is encouraging families to use the free and secure HMRC app to claim and manage Child Benefit payments. The app allows parents to:
✅ Make a new claim
✅ Update personal or bank details
✅ Add additional children to a claim
✅ Print Proof of Entitlement
✅ Confirm their child’s continued education status
A new feature now notifies parents when their claim is received, and payments can be processed in as little as three days.
“Extra pounds count, and Child Benefit can give your household budget a boost,” said Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services. “Claiming online or managing your Child Benefit via the HMRC app is quick and easy—if you haven’t already, start your claim today.”
Since its launch in May 2023, 1.2 million parents have used the digital service, and over 87% of new claims are now filed online.
High Income Child Benefit Charge: New Simplified Option for Parents
For families where either parent earns between £60,000 and £80,000, the High Income Child Benefit Charge applies. To simplify the process:
• From summer 2025, eligible employed parents will have the option to pay the charge automatically through their PAYE tax code instead of filing a Self Assessment tax return.
• This new digital service will be optional, and parents who prefer Self Assessment can continue to use it.
Parents who previously opted out of Child Benefit due to the tax charge can easily opt back in via the HMRC app or GOV.UK. Even if a family chooses not to receive payments, claiming Child Benefit ensures that:
• National Insurance (NI) credits are applied, which count toward the State Pension.
• The child automatically receives their NI number at age 16.
How to Claim
Parents can claim Child Benefit as soon as their baby is born. To apply, they will need:
✔ Child’s birth or adoption certificate
✔ Bank details
✔ National Insurance number (for themselves and their partner, if applicable)
✔ Passport or travel document (if the child was born outside the UK)
A new YouTube video from HMRC provides step-by-step guidance on how to make a claim.
This increase in Child Benefit marks another step in the government’s Plan for Change, aiming to support families, cut red tape, and simplify the benefits system. Families are encouraged to check their eligibility and claim as soon as possible to receive their full entitlement.
