Millions of parents are being urged to check if they are missing out on Child Benefit payments worth more than £1,300 a year.
Tax officials say over 1.4 million parents and carers have already claimed the benefit online, but thousands more could still be eligible without realising.
The payments are currently worth £26.05 a week for the first child and £17.25 for each additional child, paid by HM Revenue and Customs.
And from April 2026, the weekly rate for the eldest child will rise to £27 after the government confirmed a 3.8% increase in line with inflation.
Don’t miss out on Child Benefit! 👪
Over 1.4 million parents and carers have claimed Child Benefit online
💷 £26.05/week for your first child
➕ £17.25/week for each additional child
✅ Plus National Insurance credits towards your State Pension
Claim today via the… pic.twitter.com/s6qp9kpGdM— HM Revenue & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) March 5, 2026
Officials are encouraging parents to apply through the HMRC app or online to avoid missing out on the support.
A spokesperson for HM Revenue and Customs said:
“Over 1.4 million parents and carers have already claimed Child Benefit online. If you’re responsible for bringing up a child, check if you’re eligible and make a claim today.”
How much Child Benefit pays
Child Benefit provides regular payments to help with the cost of raising children.
Currently families receive:
- £26.05 a week for the first child
- £17.25 a week for each additional child
For one child alone, that works out at around £1,354 a year.
From 6 April 2026, the payment for the first child will increase to £27 per week, following the latest inflation adjustment.
Who can claim Child Benefit
You can claim Child Benefit if you’re responsible for bringing up a child who is:
- Under 16, or
- Under 20 if they stay in approved education or training
Only one person can claim Child Benefit per child, but there is no limit on how many children you can claim for.
Payments are usually made every four weeks, typically on a Monday or Tuesday.
However, single parents or families receiving certain benefits, such as Income Support, may be able to receive payments weekly instead.
Hidden pension boost many parents miss
Child Benefit doesn’t just provide cash payments.
Claiming it can also protect your future State Pension.
Parents automatically receive National Insurance credits while claiming for a child under the age of 12. These credits count towards your pension entitlement and help prevent gaps in your National Insurance record.
This can be particularly important if:
- You’re not working, or
- You don’t earn enough to pay National Insurance contributions
Even parents who decide not to receive the payments themselves are still advised to submit a claim so they receive the credits.
Extra benefits families receive
Claiming Child Benefit can also help children later in life.
Once registered, a child will usually receive their National Insurance number automatically before turning 16, meaning they won’t have to apply separately.
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When you’ll get your first payment
Parents who apply for the benefit may need to wait up to 12 weeks for their first payment, although it can take longer if you have recently moved to the UK.
However, payments can be backdated for up to three months, meaning families will not lose out if they apply later.
After the first payment arrives, future payments are usually made every four weeks.
Families can check their payment history by logging into their online account or checking their bank statement for a reference beginning with “HMRC Child Benefit.”
How to apply
Parents can apply online through the government website or via the HMRC app.
Officials say the process is quick and could ensure families receive hundreds or even thousands of pounds a year in support they might otherwise miss.
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