New UK Child Benefit Rates Announced For 2025 – The UK Child Benefit Rates for 2025 have officially been announced, and there’s good news for millions of families across the country. From 7 April 2025, parents and guardians will receive a higher payout for supporting their children, thanks to an uplift in benefit rates announced by HMRC.
This updated rate not only reflects inflation adjustments but also underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to easing the financial pressures many families face. Whether you’re already claiming Child Benefit or planning to apply for the first time, here’s everything you need to know.
New UK Child Benefit Rates Announced For 2025
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | From 7 April 2025 |
| Rate for Eldest/Only Child | £26.05 per week (Approx. £1,354.60 annually) |
| Rate for Additional Children | £17.25 per week (Approx. £897 annually) |
| Payment Frequency | Every 4 weeks (directly into bank account) |
| Eligibility | Parents or guardians responsible for children under 16 or under 20 in approved education/training |
| High Income Threshold | £60,000 (Child Benefit begins tapering off), £80,000 (completely withdrawn) |
| HICBC Payment Option Update | From summer 2025, HICBC can be paid via PAYE system |
| Official Website | gov.uk/child-benefit |
The 2025 UK Child Benefit Rate update is a timely and welcome move for families grappling with rising costs. With higher weekly payments, flexible repayment options for high earners, and no impact on Universal Credit, Child Benefit remains one of the UK’s most accessible and vital support systems for families.
Understanding the latest updates—and acting on them—can ensure you get the support you deserve, now and in the future.
What Is Child Benefit in the UK?
Child Benefit is a government payment provided to help parents and guardians with the cost of raising children. It’s a non-means-tested benefit, meaning most families qualify regardless of income, although higher earners may have to repay some or all of it via the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).
You get a weekly payment for each child, with a slightly higher rate for your eldest or only child, and a reduced amount for each additional child.
2025 Child Benefit Rates Explained
As of 7 April 2025, families will see the following weekly payment increases:
- £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child (up from £24.00 in 2024)
- £17.25 per week for each additional child (up from £15.90 in 2024)
This amounts to:
- £1,354.60 annually for one child
- £897 per year for each additional child
This 1.7% increase is part of the government’s broader initiative to help families manage rising living costs amid inflation and economic uncertainties.
Who Is Eligible for Child Benefit in 2025?
To qualify for Child Benefit, you must be responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they’re in approved education or training (like A-levels or apprenticeships). You don’t need to be the child’s parent to claim—you just need to be responsible for their care.
Other key criteria:
- You must live in the UK
- Only one person can claim for a child
- You don’t need to be working or paying National Insurance to qualify
How to Claim Child Benefit in 2025
Claiming is simple and free. Here’s how you can do it:
- Apply online via the official Child Benefit page on GOV.UK
- You’ll need:
- Your National Insurance number
- The child’s birth certificate
- Bank account details for payment
- Backdate claims up to 3 months, so apply even if you missed the birth date deadline.
High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC): 2025 Update
The High Income Child Benefit Charge still applies to individuals earning over £60,000 annually. Here’s what’s changing:
- If one parent earns more than £60,000, they must repay some of the Child Benefit via the HICBC.
- If earnings exceed £80,000, the benefit is effectively withdrawn entirely.
New PAYE Option
Starting summer 2025, HMRC will offer an optional PAYE (Pay As You Earn) route for paying back the HICBC. This simplifies the current system where many had to file annual Self-Assessment tax returns.
Why It Still Makes Sense to Claim Child Benefit
Even if your income is over the limit and you end up repaying some or all of the benefit, it’s still advisable to claim. Here’s why:
- National Insurance credits: Claiming Child Benefit helps build your NI record, which affects your State Pension.
- Eligibility tracking: It links your children to your record for other entitlements.
- Backdated payments: Even partial payments can add up if backdated over a few months.
How Is Child Benefit Paid?
Payments are made every four weeks, typically on a Monday or Tuesday. You can choose to receive payments into any UK bank or building society account. In special circumstances (e.g. if you’re a single parent), you may request weekly payments.
Important Reminders for Parents in 2025
- Children turning 16: If your child finishes school or training, you must inform HMRC. Otherwise, payments may stop.
- Notify changes: Update HMRC if your income changes, or if your child leaves approved education/training.
- Joint claims: Only one parent or guardian can receive Child Benefit per child.
Real-Life Example: Meet the Thompsons
The Thompsons are a working couple with three children aged 2, 5, and 9. Here’s what they’ll receive under the 2025 rates:
- Eldest child (9): £26.05/week = £1,354.60/year
- Two additional children: 2 × £17.25/week = £1,794/year
- Total annual benefit: £3,148.60
Even if one parent earns £65,000 and repays a portion via HICBC, they still benefit from the NI credits and partial support.
Child Benefit and Universal Credit – Are They Linked?
No. Child Benefit is separate from Universal Credit and does not count as income for UC calculations. This means you can receive both without one affecting the other.
International Implications: What If You or Your Child Moves Abroad?
If you move abroad or your child starts school in another country, you may still receive Child Benefit for a limited time—usually up to 3 months (or longer in some cases if you’re a posted worker).
Make sure to inform HMRC immediately if:
- You’re leaving the UK permanently
- Your child goes to live or study overseas
- You or your partner start working abroad
Failure to update HMRC may result in overpayments, which you’ll be asked to repay.
Interaction With Other Benefits
While Child Benefit doesn’t affect Universal Credit, it may interact with:
- Council Tax Support (local councils may consider it in means testing)
- Housing Benefit (in some cases)
- Tax-Free Childcare (you can claim both)
Always check with your local authority or DWP advisor to ensure you’re maximizing your benefit entitlements.
Where to Get Help or More Information
For full details, forms, and updates, visit the official government website: https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit
Or call the Child Benefit Helpline: 0300 200 3100 (Mon–Fri: 8am–6pm)
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FAQs
Q1: Can both parents claim Child Benefit?
No. Only one person can claim for each child. Usually, it’s the person the child lives with most of the time.
Q2: Is Child Benefit taxable income?
Not directly. But if you or your partner earns over £60,000, you’ll need to repay some via the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
Q3: Do I lose National Insurance credits if I don’t claim?
Yes. Even if you don’t need the money, claiming ensures NI credits, which count toward your State Pension.
Q4: What if I missed applying on time?
You can backdate your claim by up to 3 months. It’s important to apply as soon as possible.
Q5: When will the new rates appear in my account?
You’ll start seeing the updated payment amounts from 7 April 2025 in your next Child Benefit payment cycle.
Q6: What if my income changes mid-year?
If your income crosses the HICBC threshold during the tax year, inform HMRC as soon as possible. You may have to file a Self-Assessment or adjust through PAYE.
