This Friday, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is set to deposit £180 into the bank accounts of Child Benefit claimants. These payments come as part of the Labour Party government’s increased Child Benefit rates for 2026 to 2027. Claimants will receive £27.05 each week for their eldest or only child and £17.90 for every additional child.
For families with two children, this amounts to £180 over a four-week period. If you notice any discrepancies in your payments—either overpayments or underpayments—you should promptly contact the Child Benefit Office to rectify the issue.
Be aware that all Child Benefit payments count toward the benefit cap. While you will still receive the full Child Benefit amount, if the cap applies to you, other benefits might be reduced accordingly.
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Child Benefit is generally paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. However, claimants who are single parents or receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, may opt for weekly payments instead.
Payments can be made to any bank account except for Post Office card accounts or Nationwide cashbuilder accounts (sort code 07-00-30) held in someone else’s name. Only one account can receive these payments.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, emphasized the importance of the benefit: “Child Benefit is a real financial boost for families. If your teenager plans to remain in education or training after their GCSEs or National 5s, you don’t need to wait for our letter to extend your claim.”
Parents can easily extend their Child Benefit claim today via the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK.
Child Benefit continues to be available for teenagers studying full time in non-advanced education or participating in unpaid approved training courses.
It’s important to note that if either the claimant or their partner has an individual income between £60,000 and £80,000, the higher earner may need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). This charge can be settled through the PAYE tax code using the HICBC digital service or via Self Assessment.