New Child Benefit Rates Confirmed
Millions of UK families are set to receive higher Child Benefit payments from April 2027, after HMRC confirmed the new rates for the 2027/28 tax year.
The increase follows the annual review of Child Benefit rates, with payments rising by 3.5% in line with CPI inflation. The new rates will apply from 12 April 2027.
How Much Will Child Benefit Rise?
For an eldest or only child, the weekly payment will increase from £27.05 to £28.
For each additional eligible child, the rate will rise from £17.90 to £18.55 a week.
For example, a family with one eligible child could receive £28 a week, equivalent to £1,456 over 52 weeks.
A family with two eligible children could receive £46.55 a week, before considering any tax charge that may apply.
Who Can Claim?
Child Benefit is generally available to people responsible for bringing up a child who meets the relevant age and education or training conditions.
Importantly, Child Benefit is not limited only to families receiving Universal Credit or other means-tested benefits.
HMRC has previously urged parents to claim promptly because delaying a claim can mean missing payments and, in some circumstances, National Insurance credits.
Could High Earners Lose Some of It?
Some higher-income parents may be affected by the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
This can require part or all of the Child Benefit to be repaid through the tax system, depending on the individual’s adjusted net income.
Therefore, the new £28 rate does not necessarily mean every family will keep the full amount.
Check Your Child Benefit
Parents already receiving Child Benefit should check that their claim details are correct, particularly if their family circumstances have changed.
Anyone who has recently become responsible for a child should also check whether they are entitled to claim.
The key dates to remember are 12 April 2027, when the new rates take effect, and the current weekly rates of £28 for the eldest or only child and £18.55 for additional children.