Millions of families to see Child Benefit payments rise from next week

More than 6.9 million families across the UK are set to receive a boost in Child Benefit payments from next week, with HM Revenue and Customs urging parents in Ballymena and beyond to make sure they are claiming everything they are entitled to.

From 6 April, payments will increase to £27.05 per week for the eldest or only child — equivalent to £1,406.60 a year — while each additional child will bring £17.90 per week, or £930.80 annually.

The increase means families will receive an extra £52 a year for their first child and £33.80 for each additional child, offering welcome support at a time when household budgets remain under pressure.

For many families, particularly those with newborns, the message from HMRC is clear: don’t delay claiming.

Latest figures show that while more than 6.9 million families currently receive Child Benefit, only 72% of families claimed within their baby’s first year. Because claims can only be backdated by up to three months, thousands of parents are believed to be missing out on money they are entitled to.

HMRC urges parents to act quickly

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:

“Looking after a child can be expensive and especially a newborn baby. It takes a few minutes to claim Child Benefit via the app and doing so as soon as you can after your baby is born will ensure you don’t miss out on vital financial support.”

HMRC says the quickest and easiest way to claim is through its free mobile app or online digital service.

Since the digital claim system launched, more than 1.5 million families have used it to make claims, with almost 85% of all claims now made online or through the app.

Parents can also use the app to:

• make a new claim

• report a change in circumstances

• update bank or personal details

• add additional children

• download proof of entitlement

• confirm a child is continuing in approved education or training

Since April 2025 alone, more than 928,000 parents have used the app to manage their Child Benefit account.

Important dates and Easter payment change

Families due to receive a scheduled payment on 6 April should note that, because of the Easter bank holiday, payments will instead arrive earlier on 2 April.

Child Benefit is normally paid every four weeks directly into a bank account.

More than just a payment

As well as the direct financial support, claiming Child Benefit can have important long-term benefits.

Those who claim receive National Insurance credits, which count towards future eligibility for the State Pension. This can be particularly important for parents or carers who are not currently in paid employment.

Claiming also ensures that children are automatically issued with their National Insurance number when they turn 16.

Even households affected by the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) are being encouraged to claim, as they can opt out of receiving the payments while still protecting their National Insurance record.

This applies where either parent earns more than £60,000 a year.

Families who previously opted out can also restart payments quickly through the HMRC app or online.

Extra support for new parents

Anna Sharkey from the Money and Pensions Service said families should also check what other support may be available.

She said:

“Use MoneyHelper’s free Benefits Calculator if you think you, or someone you know, might be eligible for Child Benefit. The calculator will show you all the benefits you’re eligible for.

“Other MoneyHelper tools for new parents include the Baby Cost Calculator to help you budget when having a baby, and the Baby Money Timeline which gives you key dates to help you plan your finances.

“Visit MoneyHelper.org.uk for free and impartial money guidance for everyday money management.”

With the cost of raising a child continuing to climb, the increase will be a timely boost for many households — but HMRC is stressing that the biggest risk remains families simply not claiming in time.

For new parents across Ballymena and Northern Ireland, a few minutes spent making a claim could make a meaningful difference in the months ahead.

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At a glance

• Child Benefit payments are increasing from 6 April

• More than 6.9 million families will receive the rise

• First child payment rises to £27.05 per week

• Additional child payment rises to £17.90 per week

• HMRC says thousands miss out by delaying claims

• Claims can only be backdated for three months

• Easter holiday means 6 April payments arrive on 2 April

• Claiming also protects State Pension NI credits

• High-income families may still benefit from claiming

• HMRC urges parents to use the app for fastest access