British households will benefit from a prime boom in Child Benefit from April 2025, as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) implements the largest fee upward thrust in recent years.
The boom in Child Benefit is part of wider reforms being applied by the government after recognizing the growing economic strain on households.
Around 7 million households are presently receiving Child Benefit, which supports around 12.9 million youngsters throughout the United Kingdom. It’s crucial to recognize the boom because it will help families budget and plan for their budget in the future.
April 2025 rate rise: details of the numbers

Child Benefit payment rates are rising from April 2025, by more than the standard inflation rate rise.
Weekly payment rates:
For the first child:
- Current weekly rate: £25.60
- New weekly rate (from April 2025): £28.14
- Increase: £2.54 per week (£132.08 per annum)
- Percentage increase: 9.9%
For each additional child:
- Current weekly rate: £16.95
- New weekly rate (from April 2025): £18.65
- Increase: £1.70 per week (£88.40 per annum)
- Percentage increase: 10.0%
This increase is above the rate of inflation and will significantly increase the support every family receives from Child Benefit.
Annual benefit impact:
Families with one child:
- Current annual benefit: £1,331.20
- New annual benefit (from April 2025): £1,463.28
- Annual increase: £132.08
Families with two children:
- Current annual benefit: £2,212.60
- New annual benefit (from April 2025): £2,433.08
- Annual increase: £220.48
Families with three children:
- Current annual benefit: £3,094.00
- New annual benefit (from April 2025): £3,402.88
- Annual increase: £308.88
This increase is particularly significant for larger families, as they receive additional support of over £300. Changes to the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) limit:
Also, the process by which child benefits are reduced for higher-income families is being improved. From April 2025, the charge will apply under a new threshold:
Current system:
- The charge starts at an income of £60,000.
- The benefit reduces by 1% on income above £50,000.
- The benefit ceases altogether when income is above £60,000.
- New system (from April 2025):
- The charge starts at an income of £70,000.
- The benefit reduces by 1% on income above £60,000.
- The benefit ceases altogether when income is above £80,000.
This new system will help more families get the full benefit of Child Benefit, particularly for families on higher incomes.
Eligibility and administrative changes to Child Benefit:
There will also be some changes to the eligibility and application process for Child Benefit from April 2025.
Extension of payment age limit for education:
- Payments currently go to age 16, or 20 if the child is in recognized education or training.
- Under the new system, this will now be extended from 16 to 21 if the child is in recognized education.
Simplified application process:
- The application process has now been improved digitally, making it easier for families to apply and manage.
- Birth registration and Child Benefit applications have been linked together, making the process easier for new parents.
Payment schedule and implementation:

New rates for Child Benefit will come into effect from April 2025, and HMRC will send notification to all beneficiaries in February 2025. Payments at the new rates will begin in April 2025, with full implementation by May 2025.
Economic context:
This increase in child benefit from April 2025 is specifically designed to address rising child poverty and the rising cost of living. This increase in child benefit will especially help families who are not well off.
How beneficiaries can prepare:
Beneficiaries should ensure their personal details (e.g., bank account, contact information) are correct and up to date so they can receive the full amount.
New claims and backdating:
If a family has not claimed child benefit previously, they can now claim the benefit as per their entitlement through backdating by a maximum of 12 months.
Regional variations:
Different parts of the UK, together with Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, may also have slightly unique policies around Child Benefit; however, the most important advantage will continue to be the equal.
Future prospects:
This exchange marks the start of a new route and can be reviewed every year to make certain Child Benefit stays appropriate and powerful for households.
The adjustments, to be able to take place in April 2025, will enhance the guidance households need on Child Benefit, supporting them to get access to the care and resources they want for their children.
FAQs
1. What is the Child Benefit increase in April 2025?
From April 2025, Child Benefit payments will rise by 9.9% for the first child (£2.54 weekly) and 10.0% for additional children (£1.70 weekly), benefiting families financially.
2. How much will the annual Child Benefit increase for one child?
For families with one child, the annual benefit will increase by £132.08, from £1,331.20 to £1,463.28 starting in April 2025.
3. What is the new Child Benefit rate for additional children from April 2025?
For each additional child, the weekly payment will rise by £1.70, from £16.95 to £18.65, resulting in an annual increase of £88.40.