UK Child Benefit Rises 3.8% from April 6

Millions of UK families are set to receive higher Child Benefit payments starting April 6, as HM Revenue and Customs implements a 3.8 percent increase to support parents and carers amid rising living costs. The adjustment will raise weekly payments to £27.05 for an eldest or only child, up from £26.05, and £17.90 for each additional child, up from £17.25. There is no limit on the number of children eligible under the scheme.

The annual totals will now amount to £1,406.60 for the first child and £930.80 for each subsequent one, representing increases of £52 and £33.80 respectively. Payments are made every four weeks directly into a bank account, and more than 6.9 million families currently claim the benefit. However, HMRC data shows that only 72 percent of parents apply during their baby's first year, with claims backdated for a maximum of three months from the application date. This delay leaves thousands potentially missing out on hundreds of pounds in support.

HMRC is urging eligible families, particularly new parents, to apply promptly through its app or online service. Since the launch of digital tools, over 1.5 million families have used them to claim or manage benefits,...