More than 6.9 million families will receive higher Child Benefit from next week, with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) encouraging those yet to apply to claim online or through the HMRC app.

From 6 April, the weekly rate for an eldest or only child rises to £27.05 (£1,406.60 a year), and to £17.90 (£930.80 a year) for each additional child. That equates to annual increases of £52 and £33.80 respectively. There is no cap on the number of children for whom Child Benefit can be claimed.

While millions already receive the payments, the latest figures show only 72% of families claim in their baby's first year. Because claims can be backdated by a maximum of three months from the date HMRC receives them, thousands of new parents are missing out by delaying their application.

HMRC has released a YouTube video to guide new parents through the claims process.







Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Chief Customer Officer, said: "Looking after a child can be expensive and especially a newborn baby. It takes a few minutes to claim Child Benefit via the app and doing so as soon as you can after your baby is born will ensure you don't miss out on vital financial support."

The app and online service are the quickest routes to claim, view and manage payments. Since launch, more than 1.5 million families have submitted their Child Benefit claim digitally, with almost 85% of all claims now made this way.

Child Benefit is normally paid every four weeks directly into a bank account. Because of the bank holiday, payments scheduled for 6 April will be made on 2 April. App users can track upcoming payments at a glance and manage their account. Since April 2025, more than 928,000 parents have used the HMRC app to: make a new claim; report changes in circumstances; update personal or bank details; add children to an existing claim; view or print Proof of Entitlement; and confirm a child is continuing in full‑time, non‑advanced education or approved training.

To make a claim, parents and carers should create an online HMRC account and have: the child's birth or adoption certificate; bank details; their own and their partner's National Insurance numbers (if they have one); and, for children born outside the UK, the child's original birth or adoption certificate and passport or travel document.

Anna Sharkey from the Money and Pensions Service, said: "Use MoneyHelper's free Benefits Calculator if you think you, or someone you know, might be eligible for Child Benefit. The calculator will show you all the benefits you're eligible for.

"Other MoneyHelper tools for new parents include the Baby Cost Calculator to help you budget when having a baby, and the Baby Money Timeline which gives you key dates to help you plan your finances.

"Visit MoneyHelper.org.uk for free and impartial money guidance for everyday money management."

Parents in households where either they or their partner has income of more than £60,000 may have to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). Those liable can opt to pay via their PAYE tax code using the HICBC PAYE digital service, rather than completing a Self Assessment tax return, provided they have no other reason to file. Eligible parents can register via the HMRC app or on GOV.UK. Parents who prefer to pay through Self Assessment can continue to do so.

Families who previously opted out of receiving Child Benefit can opt back in and restart payments quickly through the app or online. Claimants who choose to opt out because of HICBC will still receive National Insurance credits if they continue to claim, helping protect their future State Pension entitlement.

Claiming Child Benefit also ensures a child automatically receives a National Insurance number at age 16. Award notices can be downloaded and printed from the HMRC app or GOV.UK as proof of entitlement, which may be required to access other benefits and services.