Families in the UK will see an increase in their Child Benefit payments starting in April 2025.
HMRC has confirmed that payments will rise for both first and additional children, offering extra financial support to parents and guardians. The changes will take effect automatically, with no need for claimants to reapply.
New Amount
The updated Child Benefit rates for 2025 are as follows:
| Child Benefit Type | 2024 Weekly Payment | 2025 Weekly Payment | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Child | £25.60 | £26.05 | £0.45 |
| Additional Children | £16.95 | £17.25 | £0.30 |
These payments are available for every child a family is responsible for, with no limit on the number of children that can be claimed.
Ongoing Claims
Families who are already receiving Child Benefit do not need to take any action. The increased payments will be transferred directly into their bank accounts as usual.
However, if there are any changes in personal details, such as a new address or bank account, these should be updated online at GOV.UK.
Backdated Claims
Parents of newborns can apply for Child Benefit as soon as their child is born. If there is a delay in claiming, payments can be backdated for up to three months. This ensures that families do not miss out on financial support.
Who Can Claim?
Child Benefit is available to anyone responsible for raising a child who is:
- Under 16 years old
- Under 20 years old, if they remain in approved education or training
Only one person can claim Child Benefit for each child, even if both parents share responsibility.
High Income Charge
If you or your partner earns above a certain threshold, you may have to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge. This applies if either parent has an adjusted net income of:
- Over £50,000 per year – partial charge applies
- Over £80,000 per year – full charge applies
If your income reaches £80,000 or more, the charge will equal the full amount of Child Benefit received. This means you will not gain financially from Child Benefit, but you can still benefit from National Insurance credits.
To check how much you might need to pay, use the Child Benefit tax calculator on GOV.UK. The person with the higher income in the household is responsible for paying the charge through a Self Assessment tax return.
National Insurance Credits
Claiming Child Benefit can help parents build up National Insurance credits, which count towards their State Pension.
These credits are given automatically if you are claiming for a child under 12 and are either:
- Not working
- Earning below the National Insurance threshold
If a parent does not need these credits, they may be transferred to another eligible family member, such as a spouse or a grandparent providing childcare.
This ensures that someone caring for the child still benefits from the credits.
Families in the UK can look forward to a small but helpful increase in Child Benefit payments in 2025. While the rise may not be substantial, it still provides valuable support for parents managing household expenses.
It is also important for higher earners to be aware of the High Income Charge and its impact on their payments.
