The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the new Child Benefit rates starting in April 2025, offering a modest increase for families across the UK. These new rates reflect the government’s efforts to provide additional support in response to rising living costs.
From April 2025, families will see the following weekly rates:
- £26.05 per week for the first child (up from £25.60).
- £17.25 per week for each additional child (up from £16.95).
Families already receiving Child Benefit don’t need to take any action—payments will automatically adjust and be deposited into their bank accounts. New parents, however, should submit a claim to ensure they receive their full entitlement.
Child Benefit Overview
Child Benefit is a tax-free payment for individuals responsible for raising children under 16 years old, or up to 20 years old if the child remains in approved education or training.
This benefit can be claimed for any number of children, unlike Universal Credit, which limits claims to two children per family in most cases.
While there’s no income limit for receiving Child Benefit, families where one partner earns over £50,000 will face the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
New Child Benefit Rates 2025
| Circumstances | Weekly Rate 2024/2025 | Weekly Rate 2023/2024 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| First child | £26.05 | £25.60 | £0.45 |
| Each additional child | £17.25 | £16.95 | £0.30 |
The increase might appear small, but over a full year, it provides families with a helpful boost to manage rising household costs.
Who Can Claim Child Benefit?
You can claim Child Benefit if:
- You are responsible for raising a child under 16, or
- The child is under 20 and still in approved education or training.
Approved education includes A-levels, NVQs (level 3), and traineeships. It does not cover higher education such as university degrees.
High Income Child Benefit Charge
If you or your partner earns over £50,000, you may be required to pay back some or all of your Child Benefit through the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
How the Charge Works
- If your income is between £50,000 and £60,000, you’ll repay a percentage of your Child Benefit.
- If your income is over £60,000, you’ll repay the full amount.
The charge is calculated based on your adjusted net income (income after certain deductions). You’ll need to complete a Self Assessment tax return each tax year to pay the charge.
Example
- If your Child Benefit is £1,000 per year, and your adjusted net income is £55,000, you’ll repay 50% of your Child Benefit (£500).
Even if you lose the full benefit due to the charge, it’s still worth claiming for the National Insurance credits (explained below).
National Insurance Credits and Child Benefit
By claiming Child Benefit, you automatically receive National Insurance credits if your child is under 12 years old. These credits help protect your State Pension, ensuring you don’t have gaps in your National Insurance record while raising children.
Who Can Get National Insurance Credits?
- Primary caregivers who don’t work or earn below the National Insurance threshold.
- Partners or family members providing childcare may also qualify by applying for Specified Adult Childcare credits.
Only one person can claim Child Benefit for each child. If you don’t need the National Insurance credits, you can transfer them to your partner or another family member providing care.
How to Claim Child Benefit
If you’re a new parent or need to update your details, follow these steps:
- Apply online through the GOV.UK website.
- You can backdate claims by up to three months if you’ve missed applying immediately after your child’s birth.
- Provide proof of identity and your child’s birth certificate (for new claims).
To update your bank details or address, log in to your GOV.UK account and make the necessary changes.
