Child Benefit Rates 25/26: What You Need to Know

Introduction: The 25/26 rates have been replaced — here is what you get now

If you are searching for child benefit rates 25/26, you are looking at the rates that applied from April 2025 to April 2026. This independent guide explains what those rates were, what they are now for 2026/27, and how to check you are being paid the correct amount.

Quick answer: In the 25/26 tax year, Child Benefit was £26.05 a week for your eldest or only child and £17.25 a week for each additional child. From 6 April 2026, these rose to £27.05 and £17.90 a week. If you are still being paid at the old 25/26 rates, your payments are out of date and you should contact HMRC.

Disclaimer: This is an independent informational website. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the DWP, HMRC, any UK government body or local council. Information is for general guidance only and is not financial or legal advice. Always check GOV.UK for the latest official information.

[LAST CHECKED: 9 October 2026]

Who can claim Child Benefit?

Child Benefit is not means-tested. You can claim it regardless of your income, though a tax charge may apply if you or your partner earns over £60,000 (more on that below).

You may be able to claim if you are responsible for a child who is:

Under 16, or
Under 20 and stays in approved education or training

Only one person can claim Child Benefit for a child, but there is no limit to how many children you can claim for.

Nation differences: Child Benefit rates are set by the UK Government and apply across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. However, Scotland offers additional support on top, including the Scottish Child Payment of £28.20 per week per eligible child under 16 from April 2026.

End of section. For more on who can claim, see our guide to Child Benefit Eligibility.

How much could you get? 25/26 vs 2026/27

Child Benefit rates at a glance:

Tax year	Eldest/only child (weekly)	Additional children (weekly)
2025/26	£26.05	£17.25
2026/27	£27.05	£17.90

Guardian’s Allowance also increased. In 25/26 it was £22.10 a week, rising to £22.95 a week from April 2026.

Warning: If you are being paid at the 25/26 rates in the current tax year, something is wrong. HMRC should have updated your payments automatically from 6 April 2026. Check your latest bank statement or HMRC app.

End of section. For a full breakdown, see our guide to Child Benefit Rates 2026/27.

How to apply for Child Benefit

Step 1: Register your baby’s birth

You must register the birth first. This is a legal requirement and the certificate is needed for your claim. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you have 42 days. In Scotland, it is 21 days.

Step 2: Gather your documents

You will need your child’s birth or adoption certificate, your bank details, and National Insurance numbers for you and your partner (if you have one).

Step 3: Claim online or via the HMRC app

The quickest way is through the HMRC app or the online digital service. You can claim as soon as 48 hours after registering the birth.

Step 4: Check your first payment

Your first payment could arrive in as little as 3 days if you claim online. Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday.

Documents you’ll need — checklist

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Child’s birth or adoption certificate
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Your bank details (sort code and account number)
□
Your National Insurance number
□
Your partner’s National Insurance number (if applicable)
□
Child’s passport or travel document (if born outside the UK)

End of section. For help with your claim, see our guide to How to Claim Child Benefit.

Common mistakes to avoid

Confusing 25/26 rates with current rates. The 25/26 rates are historical. If you are budgeting based on £26.05 a week, you are underestimating your current entitlement by £1.00 a week for your eldest child.

Not claiming because you think you earn too much. You can claim Child Benefit regardless of income. Even if the High Income Child Benefit Charge applies, claiming protects your National Insurance record, which counts towards your State Pension.

Missing the backdating window. Child Benefit can only be backdated by up to 3 months. Do not delay your claim while gathering documents.

Forgetting to update your details. If your bank details, address, or circumstances change, tell HMRC straight away. Missing updates can delay or stop payments.

End of section. If your payment seems wrong, see our guide to Child Benefit Payment Problems.

What happens after you apply?

Timelines: Online claims can be processed quickly, with first payments possible within 3 days. Postal claims may take longer. [VERIFY: current processing times on GOV.UK].

Payments: Child Benefit is paid every 4 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. Payment dates can shift around bank holidays. For example, around Easter 2026, the payment due on 6 April was paid on 2 April instead.

If your claim is refused: You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration. You usually have one month from the decision date to challenge it. [VERIFY: current appeal time limits on GOV.UK].

End of section. For appeals, see our Mandatory Reconsideration Guide.

Scottish Child Payment: If you live in Scotland, you may be able to get £28.20 per week for each eligible child under 16, on top of Child Benefit.
Best Start Grant (Scotland): A Pregnancy and Baby Payment of £796.65 for a first child, or £398.35 for subsequent children.
Healthy Start: Free vouchers for milk, fruit and vegetables if you are on certain benefits and have a child under 4. Available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. [VERIFY: current eligibility on healthystart.nhs.uk].
Guardian’s Allowance: If you are bringing up a child who is not your own, you may be able to claim £22.95 a week on top of Child Benefit.

Quick summary checklist

25/26 rates: £26.05 (eldest), £17.25 (additional).
2026/27 rates: £27.05 (eldest), £17.90 (additional).
Check you are being paid the current rate, not the old one.
Claim within 3 months of becoming eligible for backdating.
Scotland offers extra support through the Scottish Child Payment.
Always claim, even if the High Income Child Benefit Charge applies — it protects your NI record.

FAQs

What were the child benefit rates in 25/26?
In the 2025/26 tax year, Child Benefit was £26.05 a week for the eldest or only child and £17.25 a week for each additional child. These rates applied from April 2025 to April 2026.

What are the child benefit rates now?
From 6 April 2026, Child Benefit is £27.05 a week for the eldest or only child and £17.90 a week for additional children. If you are still on the old rates, contact HMRC.

Can I still claim backdated child benefit for 25/26?
Child Benefit can only be backdated by up to 3 months from the date you claim. If you were entitled in 25/26 but did not claim, you cannot now claim for that period.

Do child benefit rates differ in Scotland?
No. Child Benefit rates are the same across the UK. However, Scotland offers an additional Scottish Child Payment of £28.20 per week per eligible child under 16.

What is the High Income Child Benefit Charge?
If you or your partner has an adjusted net income over £60,000, you may have to repay some or all of your Child Benefit through the tax system. The charge tapers to zero at £80,000.

Conclusion

The child benefit rates 25/26 are now history. From 6 April 2026, the rates are £27.05 and £17.90 a week. Check your payments to make sure you are receiving the correct amount. If you have not claimed yet, do not delay — Child Benefit can only be backdated by 3 months. And remember, even if the High Income Child Benefit Charge applies to you, claiming protects your National Insurance record and your future State Pension.

For more help, see our guides to Child Benefit Rates 2026/27, How to Claim Child Benefit, and High Income Child Benefit Charge.