Child Benefit rates uprated for 2026/27: £27.05 and £17.90 a week

Child Benefit weekly rates were uprated from 6 April 2026. The rate for the eldest or only child is now £27.05 a week, and the rate for each additional child is £17.90 a week.

What changed

The new 2026/27 rates replace the 2025/26 rates of £26.05 for the eldest or only child and £17.25 for each additional child. HMRC pays Child Benefit every four weeks, so the increase shows up as a higher payment in claimants' bank accounts from the first payment date after 6 April 2026.

When it took effect

The uprated rates have applied since 6 April 2026, the start of the 2026/27 tax year. If you are already claiming Child Benefit, the higher rate applied automatically from that date - there was nothing to do to receive it.

Who it affects

The new rates apply to everyone receiving Child Benefit for a child in the UK, regardless of how many children are in the household. Each eligible child after the first is paid at the lower additional-child rate.

What to do

No action is needed to start receiving the new rate - it was applied automatically to existing claims. If you have not yet claimed Child Benefit for a child, you can still claim at any time; claims can be backdated by up to three months. See our guide on how to claim Child Benefit for the full process, including the National Insurance credits that come with a claim even if you opt out of receiving the payments.

Higher earners should also check the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC), which still applies where either partner's adjusted net income is over £60,000, tapering away the benefit in full once income reaches £80,000. Our HICBC explained guide covers how the taper works and how pension contributions can reduce or eliminate the charge.