Millions of families across the UK are set to receive a financial boost as Child Benefit payments increase from next week. The rise, confirmed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), will provide additional support to parents and carers responsible for children.
Eligibility and Claiming Child Benefit
You can claim Child Benefit if you are responsible for a child under the age of 16, or under 20 if they are still in approved education or training. The child must normally live with you, or you must pay at least the same amount as Child Benefit toward their care. There is no limit on the number of children you can claim for, but if two people look after a child, only one person can receive the benefit.
New Payment Rates from April 2026
From April 6, 2026, Child Benefit payments will rise by 3.8%. This adjustment means the weekly rate for your first child will increase from £26.05 to £27.50. For any additional children, the rate will rise from £17.25 per week to £17.90. Payments are made every four weeks by HMRC, directly into your bank account.
High Income Child Benefit Charge
It is important to note that if you or your partner earn over £60,000, you may have to repay part of your Child Benefit through the High Income Child Benefit Charge. The repayment rate is 1% of the benefit for every £200 earned above £60,000. Once earnings exceed £80,000, you must repay 100% of the benefit. This charge can be paid via self-assessment or through your PAYE tax code.
Changes to the Two-Child Benefit Cap
In related news, the two-child benefit cap is also set to be axed next week. This cap previously restricted Universal Credit and Tax Credits payments for any third or subsequent child born after April 6, 2017. From April 2026, Universal Credit claimants will see increases in payments for children.
For example, if your first child was born on or after April 6, 2017, or you have a second child, the extra amount from Universal Credit will rise from £292.81 per month to £303.94 per month. For claimants with a first child born before April 6, 2017, the current rate of £339 per month remains, with £292.81 for a second child, both subject to the new increases.
According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), approximately 1,665,540 children were impacted by the two-child benefit cap in April 2025. It is crucial to distinguish this from the separate benefit cap, which limits the total amount of benefit you can receive overall.
Child Benefit is claimed by more than seven million families, highlighting its significance in supporting household finances. With these changes, many parents and carers can expect a welcome uplift in their weekly income, helping to manage the costs of raising children in today's economy.
