UK families are set to receive a higher Child Benefit payment from April 2027 after HMRC confirmed the new rates for the next tax year.
From 12 April 2027, the weekly Child Benefit rate for the eldest or only child will increase from £27.05 to £28. The rate for additional children will also rise, from £17.90 to £18.55 a week.
The increase is part of the annual uprating of Child Benefit in line with inflation.
How Much Could Families Get?
For a family with one eligible child, the new £28 weekly rate works out at around £1,456 over a full year, assuming entitlement continues for the whole year.
Families with more than one eligible child can receive the higher rate for the eldest or only child, plus the additional-child rate for other children.
For example, a household with two eligible children could receive £46.55 a week under the new rates.
However, the amount actually retained can depend on household circumstances and income.
Who Can Claim Child Benefit?
Child Benefit is generally available to people responsible for bringing up a child who meets the relevant age and education or training conditions.
It is not restricted only to households receiving Universal Credit or other benefits.
However, the High Income Child Benefit Charge can apply where an individual has adjusted net income above the relevant threshold. This means some higher earners may have to repay some or all of their Child Benefit through the tax system.
Check If You’re Missing Out
Families who are eligible but have not claimed Child Benefit could be missing out on regular payments as well as National Insurance credits in certain circumstances.
Child Benefit can also help protect a parent or carer’s National Insurance record when they are not working or earning enough to build qualifying years themselves.
The important point is that £28 is not a one-off HMRC cash bonus. It is the new weekly Child Benefit rate for an eldest or only child from April 2027.
Parents should check their existing Child Benefit claim and make sure HMRC has the correct information about their circumstances before the new rates take effect.