Starting in June 2025, UK families with multiple children will see a boost in their Child Benefit payments, thanks to new rules from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The updated payment structure aims to better support larger households by offering higher weekly amounts based on the number of kids. This change is a game-changer for parents struggling with rising costs, making it easier to cover essentials like food and school supplies. Here’s what you need to know about the new Child Benefit rules and how they’ll affect your family’s budget.
Why the Change Matters
The cost of raising kids keeps going up, especially for families with more than one child. HMRC’s 2025 update recognizes this by tweaking Child Benefit payments to give more help to bigger families. Unlike the old system, which paid the same rate for each child after the first, the new rules add a small extra amount per child for families with three or more kids. This adjustment, tied to inflation and household costs, could mean an extra £100 or more per year for some families, offering a bit of relief in tough times.
New Payment Breakdown
From June 2025, Child Benefit payments will increase by 2-3% to keep up with inflation. The standard rate for the first or only child is £26.05 per week, and £17.25 for each additional child. For families with three or more kids, there’s an extra £1 per week for the third child and £2 for each child after that. For example, a family with four kids could get £63.55 weekly, up from £60.55. These small weekly boosts add up, helping cover things like clothes or activities. Payments are made every four weeks, and no action is needed—HMRC will adjust them automatically.
Child Benefit Payment Details
Here’s how the new rates look for families with multiple children, effective June 2025:
| Number of Children | Weekly Payment | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Child | £26.05 | £83.20 |
| 2 Children | £43.30 | £137.80 |
| 3 Children | £61.55 | £192.40 |
| 4 Children | £81.80 | £249.60 |
Who Can Claim and How
Child Benefit is available to anyone responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they’re in approved education or training. Only one person can claim per child, usually the primary caregiver, and there’s no limit on how many kids you can claim for. You can apply online through the HMRC portal or app, and new claims can take up to 12 weeks to process. If you’ve had a new baby or adopted, you’ll need the child’s birth or adoption certificate. Families already getting benefits don’t need to do anything—HMRC will update payments based on your current records.
Watch Out for the High Income Charge
If you or your partner earn over £60,000 a year, you might face the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC), which reduces your benefit. The charge starts at £60,000 and fully phases out at £80,000. Good news: starting in 2025, you can pay this through your tax code instead of a separate tax return, making things simpler. Always update HMRC if your income or family situation changes to avoid overpayments. Use the HMRC Child Benefit calculator to check what you’ll get.
A Step Forward for Families
The 2025 Child Benefit changes bring fairer support for larger families, with extra cash to ease the strain of rising costs. By automatically adjusting payments, HMRC is making it easier for parents to focus on their kids, not paperwork. If you’re not yet claiming, now’s the time to check your eligibility on the HMRC website or app. This small boost could make a big difference for your family’s future.
