TL;DR
Child Benefit rates are rising for millions of families. The weekly rate for the eldest or only child increases and additional children also see a rise. Families not currently claiming should check eligibility as the higher rate increases the financial benefit of claiming, including for those subject to the High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge.
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Sources: HMRC, GOV.UK
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Benefits Child Benefit Rate Increase Eldest/only child: £26.05 per week (increased)Additional children: £17.25 per week (increased)Annual for one child: approximately £1,354Claim method: HMRC app or GOV.UKSource: HMRC |
What has changed
Child Benefit rates have increased as part of the annual uprating of benefits and tax credits. The weekly rate for the eldest or only child has risen to £26.05, and the rate for each additional child has risen to £17.25. The increases apply from the start of the new tax year and are paid automatically to those already claiming. Families not currently claiming Child Benefit should consider whether the higher rate changes their calculation on whether to claim.
Who is entitled to Child Benefit
Child Benefit is available to anyone responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if the young person remains in approved education or training. There is no means test for eligibility, though families where one parent or carer has adjusted net income above £60,000 are subject to the High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge which claws back some or all of the payment through self-assessment.
The benefit is paid to one person per child — typically the primary carer. It is paid every four weeks directly to a nominated bank account and does not need to be renewed annually provided the child remains under 16 or in approved education.
The High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge at higher rates
The High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge applies where one parent or carer has adjusted net income above £60,000. Between £60,000 and £80,000, one percent of Child Benefit is repaid for every £200 of income above £60,000. Above £80,000, the full Child Benefit amount is effectively repaid through the charge.
However, families where one earner is above £80,000 should still consider claiming Child Benefit for the National Insurance credit it provides. Parents who are not working or earning below the NI lower earnings limit receive Class 3 NI credits through Child Benefit, which count towards the 35 qualifying years needed for the full new State Pension. Opting out of Child Benefit entirely forfeits these credits.
How to claim or update a claim
New claims are made through the HMRC app or via GOV.UK. Claims can be backdated by up to three months, so families who have delayed claiming are losing entitlement for every week they wait. Existing claimants do not need to take any action — the rate increase is applied automatically.
Families who opted out of receiving Child Benefit to avoid the High Income Tax Charge should review their position if the charge calculation has changed due to income changes or the revised thresholds introduced in April 2024. Re-registering for Child Benefit reinstates both the payment and the NI credit entitlement.
Child Benefit and other entitlements
Claiming Child Benefit can act as a gateway to other entitlements. Families receiving Child Benefit are automatically notified about relevant changes to their entitlements. Child Benefit claimants are also eligible for free school meals in some circumstances, and the child's details are registered with HMRC which simplifies future processes including child trust funds and child savings accounts.
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Disclaimer This article is for information only. Child Benefit rates and the High Income Tax Charge thresholds change annually. Verify current rates and your specific entitlement at GOV.UK. Kael Tripton Ltd is not regulated by the FCA. |
Frequently asked questions
How much is Child Benefit per week?
The current rate is £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child and £17.25 per week for each additional child. These rates apply from the start of the current tax year and are subject to annual uprating.
Do I still benefit from claiming if I earn over £80,000?
Financially, no — the full Child Benefit is clawed back through the tax charge. However, claiming and paying back preserves the National Insurance credits that Child Benefit provides for non-working or low-earning carers. These credits count towards State Pension entitlement and have long-term financial value.
How is Child Benefit paid?
Child Benefit is paid every four weeks directly into a nominated bank account, typically on a Monday. Payment dates are available through the HMRC online account or app.
Does Child Benefit affect Universal Credit?
Child Benefit is not counted as income for Universal Credit purposes and does not reduce the Universal Credit award. Families receiving Universal Credit should still claim Child Benefit separately as they are different entitlements administered by different parts of government.
What is the threshold for the High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge?
From April 2024, the charge applies where adjusted net income exceeds £60,000. Between £60,000 and £80,000, the charge is tapered. Above £80,000, the full Child Benefit received is effectively repaid through the self-assessment charge. Adjusted net income is total income minus pension contributions and certain other reliefs.
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Sources HMRC: Child Benefit Rates |
