UK Child Benefit rates increase by 1.7% in April

Starting in April 2025, Child Benefit payments in the UK will increase by 1.7%. This change will affect over 19 million households and about 39.5 million people who receive benefits from HMRC or DWP. Child Benefit is paid to parents or caregivers to help with the costs of raising children. Families will receive £26.05 per week for their first child, up from the current rate of £25.60. Payments for each additional child will rise from £16.95 to £17.25 per week. Around seven million families currently claim Child Benefit. Payments are typically made every four weeks on Mondays or Tuesdays. Families may also receive weekly payments if they are single parents or receive certain other benefits. Parents can claim Child Benefit for children under 16 or for those under 20 who are in approved education or training. Only one person can claim the benefit for each child. Those on Universal Credit may also qualify for the Child Element of that welfare payment. HMRC is encouraging families to check their eligibility for Child Benefit, which could provide up to £1,331 annually. The maximum income to receive the full benefit is £60,000 a year. Families earning more than this may face the High Income Child Benefit Charge, which starts at £60,000 and applies until £80,000. The government recently announced further welfare changes that aim to help people find work, including adjustments to Universal Credit and other benefits.