The UK tax authority HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging parents and carers to ensure they claim Child Benefit, a government payment worth up to £1,300 a year per child, following recent rule changes aimed at making the benefit easier to claim and more beneficial for eligible families. The call to action comes as new rules affecting eligibility and the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) have taken effect, and as many parents remain unaware that they could be entitled to significant financial support.
This article outlines all the important details parents need to know, including eligibility criteria, the latest payment rates, how recent rule changes affect claims, and essential actions to take to avoid missing out.
What Is Child Benefit?
Child Benefit is a regular payment made by HMRC to parents or carers responsible for raising children in the United Kingdom. This benefit is designed to help with the everyday costs of bringing up children and can also provide National Insurance credits, which count toward future State Pension entitlement.
Key Rule Changes and Why Parents Should Act Now
Recent rule changes to the Child Benefit system have made it significantly easier for eligible families, particularly those who previously faced tax charges, to claim and retain their benefits. A notable change has been to the thresholds for the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC), previously meaning some higher earners lost most of their benefit through tax repayments.
Because of these updates, HMRC is actively encouraging parents who have not yet claimed or who have stopped claiming to check their eligibility and submit a claim.
Latest Child Benefit Payment Rates
From the 2025–26 tax year, the official benefit rates are:
| Benefit Type | Weekly Rate | Annual Value |
|---|---|---|
| First or only child | £26.05 per week | £1,354.60 per year |
| Additional child | £17.25 per week | £897 per year |
These figures represent the current value of Child Benefit that eligible families can receive without tax reduction. To qualify, parents must apply and meet certain criteria set by HMRC.
Who Can Claim and Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for Child Benefit, a claimant must:
- Be responsible for a child under the age of 16, or under 20 if they are in approved education or training.
- Live with the child and provide most of their care and support.
- Have a valid UK National Insurance number and proof of identity.
- Update HMRC of any changes in circumstances, including income changes or the child’s education status.
Eligible claimants can also backdate their claims for up to 12 weeks, meaning families that realise their eligibility late can still claim payments for the recent past.
Changes to High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC)
Under the updated rules:
- The HICBC now applies when an individual’s adjusted net income is over £60,000.
- For incomes between £60,000 and £80,000, the amount of Child Benefit becomes progressively reduced.
- If income exceeds £80,000, the tax charge can effectively remove all benefits received.
In a significant update introduced in October 2025, HMRC now offers parents a choice to pay the HICBC through their PAYE tax code, removing the need for a Self Assessment return if their income is taxed under PAYE. This simplifies the process for many working parents.
Parents should review their income situation and consider whether claiming Child Benefit remains beneficial, even if they are subject to the HICBC. In many cases, staying registered can still offer National Insurance credits and benefit entitlement for children.
How to Claim Child Benefit
Parents and carers can claim Child Benefit in the following ways:
- Online via GOV.UK – The official government website provides a secure and quick method.
- Through the HMRC App – Many parents find this convenient and receive confirmation and tracking updates on their phone.
- By Post or Phone – In limited circumstances, HMRC still accepts claims via traditional methods.
When making a claim, key documents required include:
- Child’s birth or adoption certificate.
- Bank account details for payment.
- National Insurance numbers for the claimant and their partner.
Important Actions for Parents
Parents are urged to:
- Review eligibility immediately – Even if you have not claimed before, you may qualify.
- Update HMRC with any changes – Changes in income, address, or a child’s status can affect benefit entitlement.
- Consider backdating a claim – If you missed claiming earlier, backdating can unlock past payments.
Failing to act promptly may result in lost payments or complications with benefit accounting.
Conclusion
The recent rule changes to the UK Child Benefit system represent a meaningful opportunity for families to access up to £1,300 per child per year in support. HMRC’s call for parents to check their eligibility and submit claims reflects both the value of the benefit and the improvements made to eligibility rules and administration.
Parents and carers should take immediate action to understand the implications of these changes, check their circumstances, and ensure they receive all support they are entitled to. Updating HMRC when circumstances change and using digital services to claim or manage benefits can streamline this process and avoid unnecessary loss of support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Child Benefit and who can claim it?
Child Benefit is a government payment for parents caring for children under 16 (or under 20 in education). Parents or carers responsible for a child meeting these criteria can claim it from HMRC.
How much Child Benefit can I receive?
Parents can receive £26.05 per week (£1,354.60 annually) for the first child and £17.25 per week (£897 annually) for each additional child.
What are the new rules for the High Income Child Benefit Charge?
The HICBC applies when an individual earns over £60,000, tapering until £80,000. New options allow collection of the charge through a PAYE tax code rather than Self Assessment.