As of July 2025, millions of families across the UK are now receiving higher Child Benefit payments, following an official rate adjustment by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HMRC.
The UK Child Benefit Increase 2025 aims to support families with the growing cost of living by boosting weekly financial assistance per child.
This rise is part of the government’s broader welfare update, providing critical relief for low- and middle-income households as inflation continues to impact food, energy, and childcare expenses.
New Weekly Payment Rates for 2025
The Child Benefit 2025 update includes increases for both the eldest or only child and any additional children. Here’s a full comparison between the previous and updated rates:
Updated Child Benefit Rates 2025
| Child Position | 2024 Weekly Payment | 2025 Weekly Payment | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eldest or Only Child | £24.00 | £25.60 | £83.20 |
| Additional Children | £15.90 | £16.95 | £54.60 |
For a family with two children, the annual increase totals £137.80, offering meaningful support amid increasing household costs.
Who Qualifies for the New Rates?
The Child Benefit increase in 2025 applies to eligible UK families already receiving payments. Key qualification criteria include:
- Responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if in approved education or training
- Reside in the UK
- Earn below £60,000 per year to receive full benefit
- Have notified HMRC about changes in the child’s circumstances
Note: Households earning over £60,000 may be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC), reducing or nullifying their benefit amount depending on income level.
How and When Child Benefit Is Paid
Payments are made directly to the claimant’s bank account, with frequency options depending on family type and income support status:
Payment Schedule Options
| Family Type | Payment Frequency |
|---|---|
| Most Families | Every four weeks |
| Single Parents or Low-Income | Weekly (upon request) |
Those already enrolled do not need to reapply. The new rates have been automatically updated as of July 2025.
Why the Increase Matters for UK Families
The Child Benefit increase 2025 plays a crucial role in the UK’s effort to:
- Reduce child poverty
- Support working families
- Ease pressure from rising food, clothing, and education costs
In real terms, this update helps families cover:
- School uniforms and supplies
- Lunches and after-school meals
- Health-related or childcare expenses
- Extracurricular activities
For many families, even a modest increase helps offset growing daily costs, especially as the broader cost of living continues to rise.
The UK Child Benefit Increase 2025 delivers much-needed financial relief to over 7 million families.
With enhanced weekly payments for both the first and subsequent children, and no new application required, this update reflects a government-led commitment to supporting families during challenging economic times.
Eligible parents should begin seeing the increased payments in their July 2025 summaries, helping them better manage essential expenses without added administrative hassle.
FAQs
How much is the Child Benefit in 2025?
From July 2025, it’s £25.60 per week for the eldest or only child and £16.95 for each additional child.
Who qualifies for the new Child Benefit rate?
UK residents with children under 16 (or under 20 in education/training) and income below £60,000 receive full payments.
Is reapplication required to receive the updated amount?
No. The new rates are automatically applied to current beneficiaries—no further action is necessary.