Child Benefit provides regular financial support to families across the UK, helping with the cost of raising children and contributing to household income. Millions of parents rely on these payments, which are typically issued every four weeks and form part of the wider benefits system.
HM Revenue and Customs has confirmed an increase in Child Benefit payments from 6 April 2026, raising weekly and annual amounts for eligible families. The change affects more than 6.9 million claimants and introduces updated rates for both the eldest child and additional children.
HMRC is also encouraging parents who have not yet claimed to apply promptly to avoid missing out on payments.
HMRC announces Child Benefit increase
HMRC confirmed that more than 6.9 million families will receive higher Child Benefit payments from April. The increase forms part of regular updates to benefit rates and applies automatically to existing claimants.
The announcement also includes guidance for families who have not yet claimed Child Benefit. HMRC is encouraging parents to apply as soon as possible to ensure eligibility is maintained.
Updated payment rates and annual amounts
From 6 April 2026, the weekly payment for the eldest or only child will increase to £27.05, equivalent to £1,406.60 per year. Payments for each additional child will rise to £17.90 per week, or £930.80 annually.
These changes represent annual increases compared with previous rates. The payments remain available for all eligible children, with no limit on the number of children that can be claimed.
Encouragement for families to claim Child Benefit
HMRC has highlighted that thousands of families may be missing out on payments by delaying their claims. Only 72% of families claimed Child Benefit in their child’s first year, according to recent figures.
- Backdating limited to three months
- Delayed claims reduce total payments
- Early application ensures eligibility
- Support available for new parents
Digital tools for managing Child Benefit
The HMRC app and online services provide a way for parents to claim and manage Child Benefit. Most claims are now made digitally, with a large proportion of users accessing services through the app.
- Submit new claims
- Update personal details
- Add children to claims
- Track payment status
Child Benefit account features
| Feature | Description |
| Claims management | Allows users to create and update Child Benefit claims |
| Payment tracking | Provides access to payment information and history |
| Account updates | Enables changes to personal or banking details |
Eligibility requirements and claim process
To claim Child Benefit, parents must create an online HMRC account and provide supporting information. This includes documentation such as a child’s birth or adoption certificate and relevant identification details.
For children born outside the UK, additional documentation such as travel documents may be required. Claims can be submitted online or through the HMRC app.
High Income Child Benefit Charge considerations
Parents with an income above £60,000 may be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. HMRC provides options for managing this charge through PAYE or Self Assessment.
The threshold for the charge was updated in April 2024. Eligible parents can register through digital services to manage their obligations.
Additional financial guidance and support tools
Families can access financial guidance tools through services such as MoneyHelper. These tools provide information on eligibility and support budgeting for new parents.
Resources include calculators and timelines to help families plan finances. Guidance is available online for those seeking additional support.
Payment overview
| Aspect | Description |
| Payment frequency | Usually paid every four weeks into a bank account |
| Rate increase date | 6 April 2026 |
| Bank holiday adjustment | Payments scheduled for 6 April issued earlier on 2 April |
Stakeholder Comments
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC Chief Customer Officer said;
“Looking after a child can be expensive and 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.”
Anna Sharkey, Money and Pensions Service said;
“Use MoneyHelper’s free Benefits Calculator if you think you, or someone you know, might be eligible for Child Benefit. The calculator will show you all the benefits you’re eligible for.”
Bottom Line
The increase in Child Benefit payments from April 2026 will provide updated financial support to millions of families across the UK. The revised rates apply automatically to existing claimants, while HMRC continues to encourage new parents to submit claims promptly.
The changes form part of ongoing adjustments to ensure families receive support aligned with current benefit structures and payment systems.
Sources: HM Revenue and Customs.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
