Child Benefit Rates 2026-27 - Weekly, Monthly and Annual Amounts
Current rates from April 2026, following the 3.8% annual uprating. Payment amounts for 1 to 5 children.
First or only child
£27.05
per week
£108.20 every 4 weeks
£1,406.60 per year
Each additional child
£17.90
per week
£71.60 every 4 weeks
£930.80 per year
What Changed in April 2026
Child Benefit rates increased by 3.8% from April 2026, in line with September 2025 CPI inflation. This is the annual uprating applied each April.
First child (was)
£26.05/wk
£27.05/wk
Additional (was)
£17.25/wk
£17.90/wk
Increase
+3.8%
April 2026
Payment Amounts by Number of Children (2026-27)
| Children | Weekly | Every 4 weeks | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 child | £27.05 | £108.20 | £1406.60 |
| 2 children | £44.95 | £179.80 | £2337.40 |
| 3 children | £62.85 | £251.40 | £3268.20 |
| 4 children | £80.75 | £323.00 | £4199.00 |
| 5 children | £98.65 | £394.60 | £5129.80 |
Calculated as: (£27.05 x 1) + (£17.90 x additional children) x 52 weeks per year.
Payment Dates and How You Are Paid
Child Benefit is paid every 4 weeks, directly into your bank account. Payments fall on a Monday or Tuesday, depending on your payment schedule set when you claimed.
- - Paid every 4 weeks (not monthly - this is a common misconception)
- - Usually paid on a Monday or Tuesday
- - Paid into any UK bank, building society or credit union account
- - Single parents can request weekly payments by contacting HMRC
- - If payment day falls on a bank holiday, you are usually paid the working day before
Your specific payment dates are in your award letter from HMRC. You can also check via the HMRC app or your Personal Tax Account at gov.uk.
Historical Rates Comparison
| Tax Year | First Child | Additional Children | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | £27.05/wk | £17.90/wk | +3.8% |
| 2025-26 | £26.05/wk | £17.25/wk | +3.7% |
| 2024-25 | £25.60/wk | £16.95/wk | +6.9% |
| 2023-24 | £24.00/wk | £15.90/wk | +10.1% |
| 2022-23 | £21.80/wk | £14.45/wk | +0% |
Guardian's Allowance 2026-27
Guardian's Allowance is an additional payment on top of Child Benefit for those caring for a child whose parents have both died (or in limited other circumstances).
Weekly: £22.95
4-weekly: £91.80
Annual: £1,193.40