Child Benefit in 2025 – Eligibility Rules, Payment Details, and What’s Changing
• December 11, 2025
In 2025, significant updates to the UK’s Child Benefit system have made headlines, and for good reason. From increased payment rates to new income thresholds for higher earners, the changes affect millions of families across the UK.
Understanding how the Child Benefit system works in the current tax year is crucial for making informed financial decisions, ensuring eligible families claim what they are entitled to, and navigating recent policy reforms that impact higher-income households.
This in-depth guide outlines the current eligibility rules, payment rates, how and when Child Benefit is paid, what’s new for 2025, and what’s on the horizon for 2026.
What is Child Benefit?
Child Benefit is a government-provided financial support payment for individuals who are responsible for raising children. It is available to anyone living in the UK who qualifies under the outlined eligibility criteria, regardless of their employment status or savings.
Only one person can claim Child Benefit for a specific child. The benefit is not means-tested, meaning that your income does not affect your eligibility, although it can affect how much of the benefit you keep due to the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).
The number of children you can claim for is not limited, and you may be eligible if you are the child’s parent, guardian, foster carer, or another adult providing substantial care.
Who Can Claim It?
Eligibility for Child Benefit in 2025 is designed to support parents and guardians who are responsible for raising a child. Understanding the basic requirements can help you confirm whether you qualify for this important financial support.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- You must be responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they are in approved education or training.
- The child must live with you, or you must provide care costs equal to the benefit amount.
- You must live in the UK or meet specific residency rules.
- You can claim for adopted or foster children unless the council pays for their upkeep.
- You should still submit a claim even if opting out of payments to receive NI credits.
Overall, these criteria ensure that Child Benefit continues to support families who provide day-to-day care for their children.
How Much is Child Benefit in the UK?
For the 2025–2026 tax year, Child Benefit rates increased, providing families with slightly more financial support.
| Child Position | Weekly Rate | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|
| First or only child | £26.05 | £1,354.60 |
| Each additional child | £17.25 | £897.00 |
These new rates represent an increase from previous years and are set to increase again provisionally in 2026–2027 to £27.05 for the eldest/only child and £17.90 for others.
Examples of 2025 Child Benefit Payments by Family Size
| Number of Children | Weekly Payment | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | £26.05 | £1,354.60 |
| 2 children | £43.30 | £2,251.60 |
| 3 children | £60.55 | £3,148.60 |
| 4 children | £77.80 | £4,045.60 |
| 5 children | £95.05 | £4,942.60 |
The benefit continues to be a key component of family support in the UK, especially as household costs remain high.
How and When is Child Benefit Paid?
Child Benefit is usually paid every four weeks into a nominated bank account, typically on a Monday or Tuesday. However, some recipients, such as single parents or those receiving Universal Credit, may request weekly payments instead.
After you make a claim, it may take up to 12 weeks for the first payment to be processed. The good news is that payments can be backdated for up to three months, ensuring you don’t lose out due to administrative delays.
It’s important to ensure your bank account is eligible to receive payments. For instance, Post Office card accounts or accounts in someone else’s name with specific sort codes may not be accepted.
How Has the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) Changed in 2025?
One of the most impactful changes introduced in 2025 was the increase to the HICBC threshold. Previously set at £50,000, it was raised to £60,000 in April 2025. This means that more families can now keep all or most of their Child Benefit without repayment.
Understanding HICBC in 2025
1. What is the High Income Child Benefit Charge?
If you or your partner earns over the threshold, you may be required to repay part or all of your Child Benefit through additional tax. This doesn’t affect your ability to claim, but it does reduce the net financial benefit.
2. How Much Will You Repay?
- You repay 1% of your Child Benefit for every £200 earned over £60,000.
- At £80,000, you repay 100%, effectively cancelling out the benefit.
3. New PAYE Repayment Option from September 2025
From September 2025, taxpayers can repay their HICBC automatically via PAYE, avoiding the need to complete a Self Assessment tax return. This streamlines the process for employed individuals, reducing paperwork and the chance of errors.
4. Should High Earners Still Claim?
Yes. Even if you end up repaying the full amount, claiming ensures you receive National Insurance credits, which contribute towards your State Pension.
What Are the 2025 Rules Around Eligibility for Child Benefit?
Eligibility rules in 2025 remain similar to previous years but with renewed clarity around education, training, and family dynamics.
Children under 16 automatically qualify. Between 16 and 20, eligibility continues if they are in approved education or training, such as A-levels, NVQs, or apprenticeships. If a child begins working more than 24 hours a week or leaves education, eligibility usually ends.
Parents or carers may still claim for:
- Adopted or fostered children, if no local council support is provided.
- Children living with relatives or friends through informal arrangements.
- Children born abroad, if living in the UK and you have the right to reside.
How Do You Claim Child Benefit?
You can claim Child Benefit as soon as 48 hours after registering a child’s birth, or once a child comes to live with you. The application can be submitted online or by post using:
- CH2 form for up to two children
- CH2 (CS) form for additional children
To complete your claim:
- Provide the child’s birth certificate or adoption certificate.
- Backdate claims up to 3 months if applicable.
- Decide who will make the claim, only one person can receive Child Benefit for a child.
In situations involving separated or blended families, the person the child lives with most of the time should generally make the claim. If two people apply for the same child, HMRC will determine who is eligible.
Can You Get National Insurance Credits Through Child Benefit?
Claiming Child Benefit isn’t just about the money. It also provides automatic National Insurance credits to the claimant if the child is under 12 years old.
These credits are vital for building your entitlement to the State Pension, particularly for parents who are not currently working or earning below the National Insurance threshold.
If you do not need the credits yourself, you can transfer them to your partner or another family member who is helping care for the child by applying for Specified Adult Childcare Credits.
This makes it essential to submit a claim even if you opt out of the payment due to income, missing out on NI credits can affect your retirement benefits.
What is Guardian’s Allowance and Who Qualifies for It?
Guardian’s Allowance is an additional payment available to individuals responsible for a child who has lost one or both parents. It is paid on top of Child Benefit and has different eligibility criteria.
For the 2025–2026 tax year, the weekly rate is £22.10 and is set to increase provisionally to £22.95 in 2026.
To qualify, the claimant must:
- Be receiving Child Benefit for the child
- Be the primary carer or guardian
- The child’s surviving parent is missing, unknown, or unable to care for them
Claims for Guardian’s Allowance are made separately and usually require supporting documents, such as death certificates or court papers confirming guardianship.
What if Your Circumstances Change?
Life changes can affect your eligibility or payment amount. It’s important to notify the Child Benefit Office promptly in the following situations:
- Family separation or divorce: Only one parent can claim for a child. If each parent has one child living with them, both may claim the higher rate.
- Moving in with a partner: Only one higher rate per household is allowed, even if both partners have children from previous relationships.
- Child custody changes: If a child starts living with someone else, the claim should be updated.
- Change of bank account or contact information: Ensure all details are up to date to avoid missed payments.
- Overpayments or underpayments: These must be reported to HMRC to avoid repayment demands or benefit interruptions.
Keeping HMRC informed helps ensure your Child Benefit remains accurate, uninterrupted, and aligned with your changing circumstances.
What’s Changing in 2026 That You Should Know Now?
A major policy shift coming in April 2026 will have long-term implications for families, especially those with three or more children. The two-child limit on Universal Credit and Tax Credits is set to be scrapped.
This change means that from 2026, families will no longer be restricted to claiming support for only two children born after April 2017.
The result will be:
- Increased benefit entitlements for larger families
- Greater alignment between Child Benefit and other child-related benefits
- Improved financial support for low-income households with multiple children
Understanding this now helps families plan their financial strategies and ensures they are prepared to update or expand claims when the rule change takes effect.
Conclusion
The 2025 updates to Child Benefit represent some of the most meaningful changes in recent years. With increased rates, a more generous income threshold, and simplified repayment options, families across the UK are in a better position to benefit from the support available.
Whether you’re a new parent, managing a blended family, or earning near the HICBC threshold, it’s essential to stay informed and take proactive steps to claim what you’re entitled to. Even high earners should consider submitting a claim to protect their State Pension eligibility through National Insurance credits.
With the two-child cap set to end in 2026, this is also a critical time for larger families to reassess their benefit plans and prepare for the expanded support coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim Child Benefit if I’m self-employed?
Yes. Child Benefit is not linked to employment status. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you can claim it whether you’re employed, self-employed, or not working at all.
What counts as “approved education or training”?
This includes A-Levels, NVQs up to level 3, T-Levels, and other full-time non-advanced education. Apprenticeships in England may also qualify under specific conditions.
Can both separated parents receive Child Benefit?
No. Only one person can claim per child. However, if separated parents each care for one child separately, they can each claim the higher rate for their respective child.
What if my child starts an apprenticeship?
If the apprenticeship is recognised and meets eligibility rules, you may continue to claim Child Benefit. If the child starts working more than 24 hours per week, payments typically stop.
Can I claim Child Benefit if my child was born abroad?
Yes, if you and your child are now residing in the UK and you meet residency and immigration conditions, you can claim for a child born overseas.
Will Child Benefit affect my Universal Credit?
Child Benefit is not counted as income when calculating Universal Credit. However, it does count towards the benefit cap, which may affect other benefits.
Is Child Benefit taxable income?
Child Benefit itself is not taxable. However, if your income exceeds £60,000, you may be liable to pay a High Income Child Benefit Charge, which is effectively a tax repayment.
