UK Child Benefit Rates 2027: HMRC Confirms Increase in Payments for Families

November 9, 2026

Families across the UK are set to receive higher Child Benefit payments from April 2027 following the government’s confirmation of revised rates.

The increase, announced by HM Treasury, will see weekly payments rise for families claiming Child Benefit for their first child and any additional children. Guardian’s Allowance will also increase as part of the annual adjustment.

Under the new rates, payments for the eldest or only child will increase from £27.05 to £28.00 per week, while payments for each additional child will rise from £17.90 to £18.55.

The revised rates will take effect from 12 April 2027 and apply across the United Kingdom.

New UK Child Benefit Rates from April 2027

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds, confirmed that the government had decided to increase Child Benefit rates by 3.5%, in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate for the year to September 2026.

The adjustment will also apply to Guardian’s Allowance.

The new weekly payment rates will be:

• First or eldest child: £28.00, increasing from £27.05.
• Each additional child: £18.55, increasing from £17.90.
• Guardian’s Allowance: £23.75, increasing from £22.95.

The government also confirmed that no changes would be required to tax credit rates for the 2027–2028 tax year, as tax credit awards ended after 5 April 2025.

HMRC Introduces Changes to Child Benefit Overpayments

Alongside the increase in payment rates, HM Treasury has announced an administrative change affecting the recovery of Child Benefit overpayments.

HMRC will automatically offset Child Benefit overpayments against the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).

The change is intended to simplify the process for affected families by reducing unnecessary payment and repayment transactions.

According to HM Treasury, the measure will be introduced through the Finance Bill 2026–27, with retrospective effect from the introduction of the High Income Child Benefit Charge in January 2013.

This means eligible taxpayers affected by the charge should experience a more straightforward process when HMRC reconciles Child Benefit overpayments.

Who Is Eligible for Child Benefit in the UK?

Child Benefit is a government payment designed to support people responsible for raising children.

Generally, parents and guardians can claim Child Benefit for children under the age of 16. Payments may continue until a child turns 20 if they remain in approved full-time education or certain eligible training programmes.

Only one person can receive Child Benefit for each child.

Payments are normally made every four weeks, although certain claimants may qualify for weekly payments.

It is worth noting that the amount a family receives can be affected by the High Income Child Benefit Charge. Where an individual or their partner has an adjusted net income above the applicable threshold, some or all of the benefit may need to be repaid through the tax system.

Families should therefore check the applicable income rules before deciding whether to claim or opt out of receiving payments.

UK Child Benefit Rates: 2026 Compared with 2027

The following table shows the existing weekly payment rates and the revised amounts due to take effect in April 2027.

What the Increase Means for UK Families

The revised Child Benefit rates will provide additional financial support to families from April 2027.

Although the individual increases may appear modest, households with multiple children will receive a higher combined weekly payment.

For example, a family claiming Child Benefit for two children will receive £46.55 per week under the new rates, compared with £44.95 under the existing rates.

The increase is part of the government’s annual adjustment of benefit payments to reflect inflation and changes in the cost of living.

Conclusion

The increase in UK Child Benefit rates from April 2027 will provide additional financial support for eligible parents and guardians across the country.

With the eldest-child rate rising to £28 per week and payments for additional children increasing to £18.55, families will see higher payments under the revised HMRC rates.

The changes to the administration of Child Benefit overpayments are also expected to make the High Income Child Benefit Charge process simpler for affected taxpayers.

Families are encouraged to review their eligibility, understand the income-related rules and check the latest HMRC guidance to ensure they receive the support they are entitled to.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes and should not be treated as financial or tax advice. Eligibility and payment amounts may depend on individual circumstances.

Official Sources and Further Information

• HMRC – Child Benefit rates and eligibility.
• HM Treasury – 2027–2028 benefit uprating announcement.
• GOV.UK – Child Benefit: How it works.
• GOV.UK – High Income Child Benefit Charge.

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