HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has officially announced that Child Benefit payment rates will increase from April 2026, providing a welcome boost for families across the United Kingdom. This monthly payment, designed to support those with parental responsibilities for children under 16 or up to 20 if in full-time education, is set to rise in line with inflation.
New Payment Rates and Calculation Details
The increase of 3.8% aligns with the previous September's rate of inflation, marking a significant adjustment to the current weekly amounts. Presently, Child Benefit stands at £26.05 per week for the first child and £17.25 for each additional child. From April 2026, these figures will rise to £27.50 weekly for the first child and £17.90 for any subsequent children.
These provisional rates have already been noted on the GOV.UK website, offering transparency and advance notice to claimants. The payment structure remains consistent, with amounts distributed every four weeks directly by HMRC, typically on a Monday or Tuesday, and must be deposited into a single account without the option to split between parents.
Impact on Families and Claiming Process
Financial expert Martin Lewis has highlighted important nuances in the system, explaining that even in cases of multiple births, such as twins born minutes apart, different amounts apply for each child based on birth order. This means that while the individual rate for second and subsequent children is lower, the total benefit for larger families increases proportionally.
Although the weekly amounts might appear modest, they accumulate significantly over time. For instance, claiming for one child until they reach 16 years old results in total payments exceeding £20,000 throughout their childhood, providing substantial financial support for essential expenses.
Eligibility and Additional Benefits
Parents can initiate a Child Benefit claim just 48 hours after registering their child's birth or once a child comes to live with them. Importantly, claims can be backdated for up to three months from the application date, ensuring families don't miss out on entitled payments.
Only one individual can claim Child Benefit per child, requiring careful consideration between parents to determine the most advantageous claimant. Beyond the direct financial support, the claimant also receives valuable National Insurance credits towards their state pension. These credits are particularly beneficial for those not working or earning below the National Insurance contribution threshold, as they help fill gaps in pension records.
This scheduled increase reflects the government's ongoing commitment to supporting family finances amid economic fluctuations, with the new rates poised to provide enhanced assistance from spring 2026 onward.
