It has been confirmed by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) that Child Benefit rates will rise starting from April.
Those who claim the benefit who are responsible for the welfare of a child below the age of 16 — or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training — will see the amount they receive rise.
As reported by Somerset Live, there is no cap on the number of children a parent or guardian can claim Child Benefit for.
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The benefit, which is paid once a month, is non-means tested, so you can get it no matter what your income and you do not need to have paid any National Insurance contributions.
See below for a full list of the confirmed rate changes to Child Benefit and Guardian's Allowance payments starting April 11..
Child Benefit payment rates for 2022/23
There are two Child Benefit rates in place.
Current rates per week
- Eldest or only child - £21.15
- Additional children - £14.00
New rates per week - from April 2022
- Eldest or only child - £21.80
- Additional children - £14.45
How much is the increase?
The amount received by those claiming for an only child will rise by 65p per week, whilst payments will go up by 45p for each additional child.
As a result, the new monthly totals will be £87.20 and £56.00, and parents will get an extra £33.80 and £23.40 respectively over the next financial year.
Guardian's Allowance rates from April
The new weekly sum for Guardian's Allowance will be £18.55 — a rise of 55p from the current rate.
How is Child Benefit and Guardian's Allowance paid?
The payments come through every four weeks on a Monday or a Tuesday and the claimant will also be awarded National Insurance credits which can count towards their State Pension.
What age do Child Benefit payments stop?
Child Benefit can be claimed for any child below 16 or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training.
What if your circumstances change?
Any changes in circumstances which may affect a claimant’s eligibility must be reported to the Child Benefit office immediately.
How do earnings affect Child Benefit?
While anybody responsible for a child can claim Child Benefit, the amount you earn may impact the payments, with those earning over £50,000 per year required to pay back some of the Child Benefit as Income Tax.
1% of a household's Child Benefit will need to be repaid for every £100 that is earned over £50,000 per year, and if more than £60,000 is earned then all of the Child Benefit claimed must be paid back.
It is possible to stop or restart a claim at any point and free support is available for anyone who needs help with their application. For more information on Child Benefit, visit GOV.UK, here.
What else you need to know
There is no limit on how many children can be claimed for. However, only one person can receive Child Benefit.
HMRC have also announced the new allowances for Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits - see the new threshold rates on GOV.UK here.
