Child Benefit rates increase for families with multiple children
HMRC has confirmed that families claiming Child Benefit for multiple children will receive an extra £930.80 per year for each additional child. From 6 April, the weekly rate for the eldest or only child rises to £27.05, equating to £1,406.60 annually, while each subsequent child attracts £17.90 per week, or £930.80 per year. These figures represent annual increases of £52 and £33.80 respectively.
Many families missing out on payments
Despite more than 6.9 million families currently receiving Child Benefit, only 72% claim it within their baby's first year. HMRC warns that claims can only be backdated up to three months, meaning thousands may lose out on vital support. In a post on X, HMRC urged parents: “Claim Child Benefit now and you could receive £27.05/week for your eldest child or £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.”
How to claim and manage payments
Child Benefit is typically paid every four weeks directly into a bank account. Since April 2025, over 928,000 parents have used the HMRC app to manage their Child Benefit account, allowing them to track payments with a simple swipe. Parents with income over £60,000 per year may need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Looking after a child can be expensive and especially a newborn baby. It takes a few minutes to claim Child Benefit via the app and doing so as soon as you can after your baby is born will ensure you don’t miss out on vital financial support.”
