Raising children in the UK is becoming more expensive each year, with rising costs for food, childcare, education, and transport putting pressure on family budgets. To ease some of this burden, the government provides Child Benefit, a long-standing financial support for parents and guardians. In September 2025, updated rates have come into effect, ensuring families continue to receive regular payments to help with the cost of raising children.
The Child Benefit scheme is one of the UK’s most important welfare supports because it reaches millions of households regardless of income. For many families, these weekly payments serve as a stable source of financial help, especially during periods when living costs spike. The 2025 update has introduced slightly higher weekly rates, offering much-needed relief for households across the country.
What Are the New Child Benefit Rates in 2025?
From September 2025, the Child Benefit rates are:
-
£26.05 per week for the first child
-
£17.25 per week for each additional child
This means a family with two children will now receive £43.30 per week, while a family with three children will receive £60.55 per week. Over the course of a year, this adds up to over £2,100 for two children and more than £3,100 for three children.
Although these payments may not cover all childcare expenses, they are a consistent form of government support that parents can rely on each month.
Who Is Eligible for Child Benefit?
Child Benefit is available to anyone who is responsible for raising a child under the age of 16, or under 20 if the child is in approved education or training. The benefit can be claimed by parents, step-parents, guardians, or even grandparents who are the main carers of the child.
Eligibility rules include:
-
The child must live in the UK (with few exceptions for overseas education).
-
Only one person can claim Child Benefit for each child, even if both parents are eligible.
-
The claimant must be the person primarily responsible for the child’s day-to-day care.
This ensures that the benefit goes directly to the household providing care, rather than being split between multiple parties.
High-Income Charge – What Families Should Know
One key feature of Child Benefit is the High-Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). If either parent earns over £50,000 annually, they may need to pay back some or all of their Child Benefit through the tax system.
-
For income between £50,000 and £60,000, part of the Child Benefit is clawed back.
-
For income above £60,000, the full amount must be repaid.
This means high earners can still claim Child Benefit, but they may need to repay it later through self-assessment. Many parents still choose to claim even if they expect to repay it, as it helps secure National Insurance credits, which count towards the state pension.
How and When Are Payments Made?
Child Benefit payments are usually made every four weeks, directly into the claimant’s bank account. For some families, such as those in financial hardship, weekly payments can be requested.
For September 2025, families can expect the new rates to appear automatically in their payments—there is no need to reapply or update details, unless there are changes in family circumstances such as the birth of another child, children leaving education, or custody changes.
Why These Payments Matter
Child Benefit is more than just financial support; it plays a crucial role in reducing child poverty and supporting family stability. For lower- and middle-income households, these payments can help cover essentials such as food, school uniforms, or travel costs. For larger families, the benefit helps balance expenses across multiple children.
At a time when inflation and energy costs remain high, the September 2025 update is a welcome boost, even if modest. It reflects the government’s recognition of the pressure families are facing and its attempt to keep support in line with rising costs.
Additional Support for Families
Alongside Child Benefit, UK families may also qualify for other forms of financial assistance, including:
-
Universal Credit for low-income households.
-
Free school meals for eligible children.
-
30 hours free childcare for working parents of young children.
-
Council tax reductions or housing support, depending on circumstances.
These schemes, combined with Child Benefit, provide a more comprehensive safety net for families managing tight budgets.
Future Outlook
While the increase in September 2025 has been welcomed, many campaigners argue that Child Benefit still falls short of meeting the true cost of raising a child in the UK. There are calls for further increases or even reforms to make the system more generous and inclusive.
For now, families can take comfort in knowing that Child Benefit remains a reliable, tax-free source of income support, adjusted annually to reflect inflation and cost-of-living needs.
FAQs
What are the Child Benefit rates from September 2025?
The first child receives £26.05 per week, and each additional child receives £17.25 per week.
Who can claim Child Benefit?
Anyone responsible for raising a child under 16, or under 20 if in education or training, can claim.
How is Child Benefit paid?
Payments are made every four weeks, though some families may request weekly payments.
What is the High-Income Charge?
Parents earning over £50,000 annually may need to repay some or all of their Child Benefit through the tax system.
Do I need to reapply for the September 2025 rates?
No. Payments automatically adjust to the new rate unless your family circumstances change.
Click here to know more.