HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that eligible UK households can receive an extra £77.56 per month in Child Benefit payments, urging parents to claim the additional cash now. The increase follows a 3.8% uplift applied in April this year.
What is Child Benefit and who can claim?
Child Benefit is available to anyone responsible for bringing up a child under the age of 16, or under 20 if they remain in approved education or training. Claims can be made 48 hours after a child’s birth is registered, or once a child comes to live with you. However, claims can only be backdated for up to three months from the date of claim, so parents are advised to apply as soon as they are eligible to avoid losing payments.
How much can you get?
The current weekly rate for the eldest or only child is £27.05, which equates to £1,406.60 per year. For each additional child, parents receive £17.90 per week, or £930.80 annually. On average, this works out to an extra £77.56 per month for each additional child. Households with two children can receive a total of £2,337.40 per year, while those with three children can get £3,268.20 annually. There is no limit on the number of children for whom Child Benefit can be claimed, subject to the Benefit Cap.
HMRC’s reminder to parents
At the end of June, HMRC reminded parents with more than one child to claim the benefit to receive the extra monthly boost. In a post on X, HMRC stated: “Claim Child Benefit now and you could receive: £27.05/week for your eldest child, £17.90/week for each additional child. You’ll also get National Insurance credits to protect your State Pension - even if you’re not currently working. Claim via the HMRC app or online now. Have more than one child? That’s £17.90 a week for every additional child. Claim quickly and easily on the HMRC app.”
High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC)
You can claim Child Benefit in full if your individual adjusted net income is up to £60,000. If your earnings are between £60,000 and £80,000, you will be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). HMRC will claw back payments at a rate of 1% for every £200 earned above £60,000. Once annual income reaches £80,000 or more, the full amount must be repaid. However, it is still worth claiming Child Benefit even if you earn above £80,000, as you will still receive National Insurance credits, which protect your entitlement to the full State Pension later in life. Additionally, your child will receive a National Insurance number automatically without having to apply before they turn 16.
