Good news for families across the UK: Child Benefit payments are set to increase in April 2025. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that parents and guardians will see a slight boost in their payments, offering additional financial support during challenging times.
If you’re currently receiving Child Benefit, here’s what you need to know about the upcoming rate changes, eligibility rules, and important deadlines.
New Child Benefit Rates for 2025
Starting April 2025, families will see a 1.7% increase in Child Benefit payments. Here’s a breakdown of the new rates:
✅ First child: £26.05 per week (up from £25.60)
✅ Each additional child: £17.25 per week (up from £16.95)
While the increase may seem small, it adds up over the course of the year and can help cover essential expenses such as childcare, education, and household costs .
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Who Can Claim Child Benefit?
Child Benefit is available to anyone who is responsible for a child under 16 or up to 20 years old if they remain in approved education or training. To qualify, you must:
📍 Live in the UK
👶 Be responsible for a child (they must live with you or you must provide for them financially)
💰 There’s no limit on the number of children you can claim for, but only one person can claim per child.
For children aged 16 to 19, Child Benefit can continue if they are enrolled in approved education or training, including:
📚 A-Levels, T-Levels, or Scottish Highers
🛠 Vocational courses (NVQs up to Level 3)
🏠 Home education (if it began before age 16 and meets certain criteria)
📍 Traineeships in England
To stay eligible, your child must participate in at least 12 hours of education or training per week. However, employer-funded courses do not qualify.
Key Deadlines & Important Considerations
🔹 Education Confirmation Letters – HMRC will send letters to families requesting confirmation of their child’s continued education or training. Failing to respond could result in payments being stopped, so ensure your details are up to date.
🔹 High-Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) – If one parent earns over £60,000 annually, they may need to repay a portion or all of their Child Benefit:
💰 Earnings between £60,000 and £80,000 – You’ll repay 1% of your Child Benefit for every £100 earned above £60,000.
💰 Earnings over £80,000 – You must repay the full Child Benefit amount.
This charge applies to individual income, not household income. For example, a couple earning £59,000 each would not be affected.
How to Apply for Child Benefit
If you haven’t applied for Child Benefit yet, you can do so through the HMRC website. Parents who are already receiving it should update their details regularly to avoid disruptions in payments.
📌 Visit the HMRC website for full guidance and application forms.
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Final Thoughts
The April 2025 Child Benefit increase will provide some extra support for families across the UK. While the rise may be modest, every bit helps when covering the costs of raising children. Make sure you stay informed about eligibility rules, deadlines, and potential income-related repayments to maximize your benefits.
FAQs
❓ What will the new Child Benefit rates be in 2025?
✔ The first child will receive £26.05 per week, and additional children will receive £17.25 per week.
❓ Can I still claim for a 17-year-old?
✔ Yes, as long as they’re enrolled in approved education or training.
❓ What counts as approved education?
✔ Courses like A-Levels, T-Levels, and vocational qualifications up to Level 3.
❓ How does the High-Income Charge work?
✔ If you earn over £60,000, you must repay part or all of your Child Benefit through the tax system.
❓ Where can I apply for Child Benefit?
✔ Applications and updates can be made via the official HMRC website.
Don’t miss out on this essential financial support—stay informed and plan ahead to make the most of your Child Benefit payments!
