Child benefit payments to increase next week

Parents who claim child benefit will see their payments go up next week.

From 7 April, families will receive £26.05 a week for their eldest or only child. This works out to more than £1,300 a year.

Meanwhile, the amount parents will get for each additional child will go up to £17.25 a week – almost £900 a year.

Families can claim child benefit for an unlimited number of children.

Parents encouraged to manage claim through app

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has suggested that parents download the free and secure HMRC app, as this is the most convenient way to manage claims.

Myrtle Lloyd, director general for customer services at HMRC, said: “Extra pounds count and child benefit can give your household budget a boost. 

“Claiming online or managing your child benefit payments via the HMRC app is quick and easy so, if you haven’t already, go to GOV.UK to start your claim today.”

In the last year, families have used the app more than 6m times to perform tasks such as making new claims, updating their details and adding additional children to a claim

Users will be notified via the app once their claim is received and can get payment into their bank account in as little as three days.

Find out more about claiming child benefit

If you’re a new parent who wants more details on how to claim child benefit, HMRC has created a handy YouTube video outlining what you need to know.

Our child benefit guide is also full of useful information and answers many of the questions you may have.