The government has announced that Child Benefit amounts will rise starting in April, with the 2026 figures released by the Department of Work and Pensions confirming the increases.

HMRC administers Child Benefit, and households with a single child will now receive the updated rate of £27.05 weekly, an increase from the previous £26.05 per week.

For each subsequent child in the same household, families will get £17.90 per week, up from the earlier £17.25. There is no maximum number of children that can be included in a claim.

The adjustments reflect the Consumer Price Index inflation rate for the 12 months ending September 2025, which stands at 3.8 percent. Beginning in April 2026, the following changes take effect:

The benefit for the first child increases from £26.05 to £27.05 weekly

Payments for subsequent children rise from £17.25 to £17.90 weekly

Guardian’s Allowance climbs from £22.10 to £22.95 weekly

Since Child Benefit is typically distributed every four weeks, recipients will receive:

£108.20 for the first child

£71.60 for each additional child

£91.80 for Guardian’s Allowance

Households with existing claims do not need to reach out to HMRC, as the higher payment will be deposited directly into their bank accounts. Those needing to modify personal information, such as banking details or residential address, can do so through the GOV.UK website.

Claimants may also apply to backdate their entitlement for as long as three months.

The eligibility criteria for Child Benefit requires being responsible for a child who is:

under 16 years old

or under 20 years old if enrolled in approved education or training

Regarding the High Income Child Benefit Charge:

If either an individual or their partner’s income after deductions exceeds the threshold, this charge may apply.

The income calculation occurs before personal allowances and Gift Aid but includes savings interest and dividend income.

A Child Benefit tax calculator is available to determine whether adjusted net income surpasses the threshold and to calculate any applicable charge.

When both partners have income exceeding the threshold, the partner with the higher adjusted net income is responsible for paying the charge.

If either partner earns £80,000 or more above the threshold, the charge equals the Child Benefit amount received, resulting in no net benefit, though other advantages like National Insurance credits remain available.

A Self Assessment tax return must be completed each tax year to remit the charge.

National Insurance Credits:

Those claiming Child Benefit with children under 12 receive National Insurance credits automatically.

These credits contribute toward State Pension eligibility, preventing gaps in National Insurance records while caring for a child, regardless of whether the parent is not working or earning below the contribution threshold.

Families unable to use the credits have options. Either a spouse or partner may transfer the credits, or another family member providing care may apply for Specified Adult Childcare credits.

Only one individual can receive Child Benefit for any given child.