Child Benefit payments are set to increase in April 2025, with a rise of 1.7% confirmed by the consumer price index (CPI) for September 2024. This adjustment follows the annual inflationary trend and will apply alongside other DWP benefits, such as the State Pension and Universal Credit.
According to Manchester Evening News, this increase aims to help families cope with rising living costs, but further details on the full impact will be unveiled closer to the date.
Current Rates of Child Benefit
At present, Child Benefit payments offer support to parents or guardians who are responsible for the care of children. Currently, recipients receive £25.60 per week for the first child and £16.95 per week for any additional children.
These payments are generally issued on a four-weekly basis, typically on a Monday or Tuesday.
However, if a payment date coincides with a bank holiday, the payment may be made on an alternate date. Weekly payments are available for single parents or those receiving certain benefits, such as Income Support.
There is no limit on the number of children for which a family can claim, allowing families with multiple children to receive payments for each one.
The New Child Benefit Rates From April 2025
Starting in April 2025, the rates for Child Benefit will increase. The payment for the first child will rise from £25.60 to £26.05 per week, marking an increase of £0.45.
For any additional children, the payment will go up from £16.95 to £17.25 per week, an increase of £0.30. These increases are designed to help families manage the rising cost of living.
To qualify for Child Benefit, the claimant must be responsible for raising a child under the age of 16, or a child under the age of 20 if they are still in approved education or training. Only one person can receive Child Benefit for a child, and there is no limit on the number of children you can claim for.
For parents who are also claiming Universal Credit, there is a separate support system, known as the Child Element. This provides additional financial support, and the rates for this will also increase in April 2025.
Universal Credit and the Child Element
Those receiving Universal Credit may also be eligible for the Child Element, which is separate from Child Benefit. For the first child born before April 6, 2017, the monthly Child Element payment is £333.33.
For the first child born on or after April 6, 2017, and for any subsequent children, the payment is £287.92 per month. Payments may also vary for parents with a disabled child or those needing to cover childcare costs. The rates for Universal Credit and the Child Element will also increase in April 2025.
