DWP £1,354.60 per year Financial Boost from 7 April 2025: From next week, families in the UK will receive higher Child Benefit payments. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced that from 7 April 2025, the Child Benefit rates will increase to support parents and carers with their family budgets.
This change will bring a small but useful boost to household income, especially helpful during these times when every rupee (or pound!) counts. The Child Benefit is paid every four weeks directly into the parent’s bank account, making it easy and hassle-free to manage.
New Child Benefit Rates from April 2025
Starting 7 April 2025, here are the new payment amounts:
- £26.05 per week for your first or only child – that’s about £1,354.60 a year.
- £17.25 per week for every other child – which adds up to £897 a year.
There is no maximum number of children you can claim for, so bigger families can benefit more.
Managing Child Benefit with the HMRC App
To make things easier, parents are encouraged to use the free HMRC app. This app helps you claim, manage, and track your payments faster and more securely.
More than 1.2 million parents have already used the digital service since it launched in May 2023. In fact, over 6 million actions were taken using the app last year, showing how helpful it’s been.
The app allows you to:
- Update your details
- Add more children to your claim
- Change bank or personal info
- Prove your entitlement
- Inform HMRC if your child is in full-time education or training
New features also notify you once your claim is received, and payments can start in as little as 3 days.
Who Can Claim and What You Need
Parents can claim Child Benefit as soon as their baby is born. But keep in mind, it can only be backdated for up to 3 months, so don’t delay.
To claim, you’ll need:
- Your child’s birth or adoption certificate
- Bank details
- Your and your partner’s National Insurance number (if you have one)
- For children born outside the UK, you’ll also need their passport or travel document
To claim, you need to create an HMRC online account. If you need help, there’s even a YouTube video explaining how new parents can make a claim step-by-step.
How to DWP £1,354.60 Financial Boost Claim online
High Income Families – What You Should Know
If you or your partner earn between £60,000 and £80,000, you may need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). But don’t worry – HMRC has made this easier now.
From summer 2025, high-earning families can choose to pay this charge through their PAYE tax code instead of filing a Self Assessment tax return. It’s optional, and you can still file your tax return if you prefer.
There’s also an online calculator that tells you how much Child Benefit you’ll get and how much tax charge applies to you.
Opting Back In is Easy
If you previously chose not to receive Child Benefit payments, you can now opt back in online or through the app. Even if you choose not to receive payments because of the HICBC, claiming Child Benefit still gives you National Insurance credits. These credits are important because they help build your eligibility for the State Pension in the future.
Also, claiming ensures your child automatically receives their National Insurance number at age 16.
Key takeaways
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| New Payment Date | 7 April 2025 |
| First/Only Child | £26.05/week or £1,354.60/year |
| Additional Children | £17.25/week or £897/year |
| How Paid | Every 4 weeks into your bank |
| Claim Method | Online via GOV.UK or HMRC App |
| Claim Deadline | Can only backdate up to 3 months |
| Income Threshold for HICBC | £60,000–£80,000 |
This increase in Child Benefit may seem small, but it adds up over the year and can really help with family expenses. Whether you are a new parent or already receiving payments, using the HMRC app is a smart and easy way to stay in control. Don’t forget to claim on time, and even if you earn above the income limit, you still get National Insurance credits that count towards your pension.
The government is working to make things easier for families by cutting red tape and offering new digital options. If you haven’t claimed yet, or need to update anything, the app or GOV.UK is the best place to start.
FAQ
Q1. When do the new Child Benefit rates start ?
A1. The new rates start from 7 April 2025.
Q2. How much will I get for my child?
A2. £26.05 per week for your first child, and £17.25 per week for each additional child.
Q3. How can I apply for Child Benefit?
A3. You can apply online through GOV.UK or use the HMRC app.
Q4. What documents are needed to claim?
A4. You’ll need your child’s birth certificate, bank details, and National Insurance number.
Q5. What if I earn more than £60,000?
A5. You may need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge, but you can now pay through your tax code.
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