UK Child Benefit rises 3.8% from April 2026

HM Revenue and Customs has confirmed that Child Benefit and Guardian's Allowance payments will increase by 3.8 percent starting in April 2026, providing additional financial support to parents and guardians across the United Kingdom. The adjustment follows the Autumn Budget delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the House of Commons last week and aligns with the Consumer Price Index for the year ending September 2025.

Under the updated rates, the weekly Child Benefit payment for the eldest or only child will rise from 26.05 pounds to 27.05 pounds. For each additional child, the payment will increase from 17.25 pounds to 17.90 pounds. These benefits, available to those responsible for children under 16 or under 20 if in approved education or training, are typically paid every four weeks. The Guardian's Allowance, which supports guardians caring for orphaned children, will see its weekly rate go up from 22.10 pounds to 22.95 pounds, resulting in a four-week payment of 91.80 pounds, up from 88.40 pounds.

Officials emphasized that the increases aim to help families keep pace with rising living costs. In Scotland, the adjustment complements devolved payments such as the Scottish...