Millions of families claiming Child Benefit will see an increase in their payments from next week, HMRC has confirmed. From April 6, some parents will see their entitlement rise to over £1,400 a year.

People who have yet to take advantage of government funding should consider applying. It can be done online here and can be backdated for up to three months from the date you make the claim.

From Monday, April 6, Child Benefit claimants will receive £27.05 per week (a rise from £26.05) – or £1,406.60 a year – for the eldest or only child. From there, additional children will be entitled to £17.90 per week – or £930.80 a year.

There is no limit to the number of children parents can claim Child Benefit for. Latest figures show that, while more than 6.9 million families receive Child Benefit payments, only 72% of families claimed it in their baby’s first year.

A Child Benefit claim can only be backdated from the date your claim is received by HMRC, which means thousands of families are missing out. Claiming Child Benefit also makes sure the child automatically gets their National Insurance number when they turn 16.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s chief customer officer, said: “Looking after a child can be expensive, especially a newborn baby. It takes a few minutes to claim Child Benefit via the app and doing so as soon as you can after your baby is born will ensure you don’t miss out on vital financial support.”

Child Benefit is usually paid every four weeks and will automatically be paid into a bank account. HMRC app users can track their Child Benefit payments online.

Since April 2025, more than 928,000 parents have used the HMRC app to manage their Child Benefit account, including:

• making a new claim
• updating a change in circumstances
• amending personal or bank details
• adding additional children to a claim
• viewing or printing Proof of Entitlement to Child Benefit
• telling us their children are continuing in full-time, non-advanced education or approved training

How do I claim Child Benefit?

The process can be started online here. You’ll need the following documents to be able to make the claim:

• your child’s birth or adoption certificate, if you have it
• your bank or building society details
• your National Insurance number – if you have one
• your partner’s National Insurance number (if you have a partner)

Parents can still claim without a birth or adoption certificate, but this process will take longer. You may be asked to send the certificate as proof, after you’ve registered.

If your child’s birth was registered outside the UK, you’ll need to send your child’s original birth or adoption certificate and your child’s passport (or the travel document they used to enter the UK).

People wanting to make a claim can contact the Child Benefit Office if they have any questions or need help with the process. You’ll need your National Insurance number to help staff access your details.