His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a reminder to families in the UK, encouraging them to claim Child Benefit if they are eligible.
The benefit, which is specifically aimed at assisting with childcare costs, offers financial support that can amount to as much as £3,148 annually, based on the number of children in the household.
This support is particularly important amid the current financial climate, where rising living costs continue to impact many families.
According to the Manchester Evening News, HMRC has highlighted the significance of ensuring that families are aware of the available assistance, even though the department has revealed little additional information about changes to eligibility criteria.
What is Child Benefit?
Child Benefit is a government program that offers financial support to parents or carers.
It helps with the costs of raising children and provides National Insurance credits towards the State Pension.
The benefit is available to families with children under the age of 16, or under 20 if they remain in education or training.
How Much Can Families Claim?
The amount of Child Benefit a family can receive depends on the number of children they have. For one child, the payment is £26.05 per week, totaling £1,354.60 annually.
For each additional child, families receive £17.25 per week, adding up to £897 per year for each additional child.
For example, parents with two children can claim £2,251.60 per year, while families with three children can receive up to £3,148 annually. These amounts reflect the 1.7% increase in Child Benefit rates introduced in April 2025.
This rise is in line with inflation, ensuring that families continue to receive support that reflects the increasing cost of living.
Eligibility and the High Income Child Benefit Charge
Families where one or both parents earn under £80,000 annually are eligible for Child Benefit. However, those with incomes between £60,000 and £80,000 may have to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge, which reduces the amount of benefit they can claim.
It’s essential for higher earners to be aware of this charge and claim the benefit regardless of the potential reduction, as it can still provide substantial financial help.
In a post on X, HMRC said:
“If you earn under 80k and haven’t claimed Child Benefit yet, it could be financially worth your while. You or your partner can now earn up to £60k before you start paying the High Income Child Benefit Charge. Claim online or in the HMRC app.”
For families with an income above £60,000, it’s worth noting that they may still be able to claim the full amount, but they will be liable for the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
This charge is calculated based on the income level and reduces the overall benefit that can be received.
Why is HMRC encouraging families to apply?
HMRC has reminded families that Child Benefit is a valuable financial resource, and high earners should not overlook the potential benefits.
For families where earnings fall below the £60,000 threshold, full access to Child Benefit is available without the need to repay any charge. The benefit can also be backdated for up to three months if the application is delayed.
HMRC is especially keen to remind high-earning families to make their claims, even if they are not sure whether they will be eligible for the full amount.
The benefit can be backdated, which means families who may have missed the opportunity to claim earlier in the year can still receive support.
The latest increase in the Child Benefit rates, effective from April 2025, follows a 1.7% uplift. This has raised the rate for one child to £26.05 per week, amounting to £1,354.60 annually.
Families with additional children can claim more. Specifically, those with two children will receive £2,251.60 annually, and those with three children can claim £3,148 annually.
The Benefit Cap
It’s also important to note that there is no limit to the amount of Child Benefit a family can claim, other than the Benefit Cap.
This cap is the maximum amount of benefits that a family can receive in total, which may limit the amount of Child Benefit a family can claim if they are also receiving other forms of financial assistance.
Families with more than three children will receive £897 for each additional child.
However, the overall amount will be subject to the Benefit Cap, which varies depending on a family’s circumstances and other benefits claimed.
How to Claim Child Benefit
To claim Child Benefit, parents or carers can apply online through the HMRC website or via the HMRC app.
Claims can be made immediately after the birth of a child or when a child comes to live with the family. Only one parent or carer can claim the benefit for each child, so families will need to decide who will make the claim.
HMRC has made the application process straightforward, and families are encouraged to claim as soon as possible.
It is also important to note that claims can be backdated for up to three months. This means that even if parents delay claiming for a while, they can still receive the benefit for the past three months.
