UK Govt confirmed Child Benefits £1,354.60 a year from April 07, 2025: Good news for families in the UK – Child Benefit payments are increasing starting next week. From 7 April 2025, parents will receive more money each week to support their children. The UK government, through HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), has confirmed these changes, and families are being encouraged to manage their benefits easily using the HMRC app.
This update will help ease the financial load for households and make it even more convenient to manage benefits online.
New Child Benefit Payment Rates
From April 7, 2025:
- £26.05 per week (or £1,354.60 a year) will be paid for the eldest or only child.
- £17.25 per week (or £897 a year) will be paid for each additional child.
Payments are made every 4 weeks directly into the parent’s bank account. There is no limit to how many children parents can claim for.
Claiming Child Benefit Has Never Been Easier
Parents can now claim and manage Child Benefit online or through the HMRC mobile app. Over 1.2 million parents have already claimed digitally since the service went live in May 2023, and 87% of claims are now made online.
Using the app, parents can:
- Make a new claim
- Add more children to an existing claim
- Change bank or personal details
- Inform HMRC if children stay in full-time education
- View and download proof of entitlement
The app has been used over 6 million times in the past year, showing how easy and quick it is for families to manage their Child Benefit details on the go.
Claim Early and Avoid Delays
Parents should claim Child Benefit as soon as their baby is born. The claim can be backdated for up to 3 months, but applying early ensures that payments and National Insurance (NI) credits start right away.
To make a claim, you’ll need:
- The child’s birth or adoption certificate
- Bank details
- National Insurance number (yours and your partner’s if applicable)
- For children born outside the UK: original birth/adoption certificate and passport or travel document
HMRC has also released a YouTube video to guide new parents through the process.
What About Higher Incomes?
If either parent earns between £60,000 and £80,000, they’ll need to pay back some or all of the Child Benefit through the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). HMRC offers an online calculator to estimate how much you can receive and what you may need to repay.
Starting summer 2025, eligible employed parents will have a new option:
Instead of filing a Self Assessment tax return, they can choose to pay the HICBC directly through their PAYE tax code – saving time and paperwork.
This optional service is part of the government’s Plan for Change and aims to make life easier for working families.
Opt Back In If You Previously Opted Out
Families who earlier chose not to receive Child Benefit payments (to avoid the HICBC) can opt back in anytime using the HMRC app or website. Even if payments are stopped, claiming still gives parents National Insurance credits, which help build future eligibility for the State Pension.
Also, claiming ensures that your child gets their National Insurance number automatically at age 16.
This increase in Child Benefit payments comes as a welcome relief for UK families. With the HMRC app making things faster and simpler, and a more flexible system for higher earners coming soon, managing your Child Benefit is now easier than ever.
Whether you’re a new parent or looking to restart payments, make sure you claim on time to receive both financial support and future pension benefits. Every pound counts, and the new digital tools are designed to help families do more with less effort.
FAQ’s
When will Child Benefit payments increase in 2025?
Child Benefit payments will increase from 7 April 2025. Parents will receive £26.05 per week for the first child and £17.25 for each additional child.
How can I claim Child Benefit online?
You can claim Child Benefit using the HMRC app or through the digital service on GOV.UK. You’ll need the child’s birth certificate, bank details, and National Insurance numbers.
What documents are required to claim Child Benefit?
Parents need their child’s birth or adoption certificate, bank account details, and National Insurance numbers. If the child was born outside the UK, a passport or travel document is also required.
What is the High Income Child Benefit Charge?
If either parent earns between £60,000 and £80,000, they may have to repay some or all of the Child Benefit through a tax charge. A new PAYE option is launching in summer 2025.
Can I still receive NI credits if I opt out of Child Benefit payments?
Yes, you will continue receiving National Insurance credits even if you opt out of the payments, as long as you make a valid claim.
