DWP Confirms Child Benefit Payment Plan for 2025 – Know Eligibility Rules, and Payment Dates

The UK’s Child Benefit Payment scheme continues to be one of the most important support systems for families raising children, providing regular financial help to offset the rising costs of childcare.

Administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the 2025 Child Benefit programme offers parents predictable income support across the UK—covering England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

This comprehensive article covers eligibility rules, payment rates, the 2025 schedule, and how to claim or manage Child Benefit, including tax implications for high-income families.

What Is Child Benefit in 2025?

Child Benefit is a non-means-tested payment provided to families raising children under 16, or under 20 if in approved education or training. It supports parents with the ongoing costs of food, clothing, education, and other essentials.

In 2025, the UK government has retained standard benefit rates, reaffirming its commitment to family support amidst cost-of-living concerns. While the benefit is available to most, higher-income households may be affected by a tax charge, which does not affect eligibility but can reduce the final value received

Who Can Claim Child Benefit in 2025?

To claim Child Benefit in 2025, families must meet these eligibility conditions:

• Child’s Age: Under 16, or under 20 if in approved education/training (e.g., A-levels, BTECs, apprenticeships).
• Residency: The child and parent/guardian must usually live in the UK, with legal residence status.
• Parental Responsibility: The claimant must be the child’s legal parent or guardian.
• National Insurance Number: The claimant must hold a valid NI number.
• No income restriction for claiming: All eligible families can apply, but high-income earners may face repayment through tax.

Special rules apply for adopted children, foster care, or where a child lives across two households.

High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC): What to Know

While most families receive Child Benefit in full, the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) applies if one parent earns over £50,000 annually.

• Between £50,000–£60,000 income: Repay 1% of benefit for every £100 earned above £50,000.
• Over £60,000 income: Repay the entire amount through Self Assessment tax.

Some families choose to opt out of receiving payments to avoid this charge. However, doing so can affect National Insurance credits, especially for stay-at-home parents. It’s often better to claim and repay, rather than not claim at all.

Child Benefit Payment Rates for 2025

The Child Benefit payment amounts for the 2025–26 tax year are unchanged from 2024. Rates apply weekly and are paid every 4 weeks:

Child	Weekly Rate (£)	Annual Total (£)
Eldest or only child	£24.00	£1,248.00
Each additional child	£15.90	£825.60

These amounts are paid for each full week the child is eligible. A family with three eligible children could receive over £2,800 per year in support

2025 Child Benefit Payment Schedule (Examples)

Child Benefit payments are made every four weeks, usually on a Monday. Here’s a sample schedule for 2025:

Payment No.	Payment Date
1	6 January 2025
2	3 February 2025
3	3 March 2025
4	31 March 2025
5	28 April 2025
…	…
13	29 December 2025

Payments are made directly into the parent’s nominated bank account. In rare cases, claimants may receive cheques.

How to Claim Child Benefit in 2025

New parents or guardians can claim Child Benefit shortly after the child is born or comes to live with them. The process is simple and offers up to 3 months of backdating.

Steps to Claim:

1. Apply online at gov.uk/child-benefit
2. Alternatively, submit a paper CH2 form (available online or from HMRC)
3. Include the child’s birth certificate or passport (for new applicants)
4. You will need a National Insurance number and bank account details

Once processed, payments start within weeks, with future payments arriving regularly.

Updating or Managing a Claim

Families already receiving Child Benefit should inform the DWP of any changes to:

• Address
• Income (if subject to HICBC)
• Bank account details
• Child’s education status or age
• Household circumstances (e.g. separation, new guardianship)

Failure to update these details could result in delayed payments, overpayments, or penalties.

Summary Table: Child Benefit Claim Deadlines

Action	Deadline / Guideline
New claim	Within 3 months of birth/arrival
Change of address	Notify within 1 month
End claim (child leaves education)	Immediately upon ineligibility
Backdating request	Up to 3 months from date of claim
Reporting income over £50,000	With annual Self Assessment return

Other Benefits Linked to Child Benefit

Claiming Child Benefit also helps families in several indirect ways:

• National Insurance credits for non-working parents, protecting State Pension rights
• Eligibility for maternity/paternity pay
• Helps qualify for Child Tax Credits, Universal Credit, and other means-tested support
• Allows opening of Junior ISA or Child Trust Fund accounts

Not claiming may impact entitlement to other benefits or future financial planning tools.

Financial Impact and Importance for Families

With the rising costs of childcare, Child Benefit offers critical support for covering:

• Basic needs like food, clothing, and school supplies
• Education-related expenses
• Transportation and medical care

The payments reduce reliance on short-term credit, improve child welfare, and contribute to long-term stability for millions of households.

FAQs – Child Benefit Payment 2025

1. How much is Child Benefit in 2025?

You’ll receive £24.00 per week for your first child and £15.90 for each additional child. That equals £1,248/year and £825.60/year, respectively.

2. Can I claim if I earn more than £50,000 a year?

Yes, you can still claim. But you may have to repay some or all of it through the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) via Self Assessment.

3. When are Child Benefit payments made?

They’re paid every four weeks, usually on a Monday. Payment dates vary but follow a regular 28-day cycle.

4. How do I apply for Child Benefit?

Apply online at the official gov.uk site or use the CH2 paper form. Include personal documents and bank details.

5. Can I backdate a claim if I forgot to apply?

Yes. You can backdate your claim by up to 3 months, provided your child was eligible during that period.