If you claim Child Benefit or are planning to do so, 2026 brings some important changes you need to understand. From higher weekly payments to continued relief for higher-income families and major reforms affecting larger households, the Child Benefit system is evolving again. These updates matter whether you are a low-income parent relying on benefits to make ends meet, a middle-income household balancing work and childcare, or a higher earner managing tax charges through self-assessment.
While the way you claim Child Benefit stays mostly the same, the amount you receive, how income limits apply, and how Child Benefit works alongside Universal Credit will change in ways that can significantly affect your family budget. This guide explains the new Child Benefit rules from January 2026 in clear language, so you know exactly what to expect and what steps to take.
New Rules for UK Child Benefit
Child Benefit is a regular, tax-free payment paid to people responsible for bringing up children. You can usually claim it if:
- Your child is under 16
- Or under 20 and in approved education or training
The benefit is administered by HM Revenue and Customs, and it is one of the simplest and most widely claimed family benefits in the UK.
Child Benefit is paid regardless of whether you are working, unemployed, or self-employed. However, higher-income households may need to repay some or all of it through the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).
Child Benefit Changes in 2026 Key Details
| Topic | What Changes for You in 2026 |
| Weekly rates | Payments increase again in the 2026–27 tax year |
| High income charge | £60,000 threshold continues (not the old £50,000) |
| Household income reform | Planned move from individual to household basis |
| Larger families | Two-child limit removed in related benefits from April 2026 |
| Universal Credit | Higher child and childcare elements |
| Payment dates | Normal schedules continue with holiday adjustments |
| Official Website | https://www.gov.uk/ |
What Is Child Benefit Changing from 1 January 2026?
From early 2026, Child Benefit continues largely as before in terms of eligibility and claiming, but three major areas change:
- Higher weekly Child Benefit rates
- More generous income thresholds for the tax charge
- Major reforms to related benefits for larger families
These changes are designed to:
- Help families cope with rising living costs
- Reduce unfair tax outcomes for households
- Improve support for children in larger families
New Child Benefit Amounts for 2026–27
The government has already announced provisional Child Benefit rates for the 2026–27 tax year. These are higher than the 2025–26 rates and continue the pattern of annual increases.
Current (2025–26) rates
- £26.05 per week for your eldest or only child
- £17.25 per week for each additional child
Provisional 2026–27 rates
- £27.05 per week for your eldest or only child
- £17.90 per week for each additional child
That may look like a small increase, but over a year it adds up.
What this means in real terms
If you have:
- One child – you gain about £52 extra per year
- Two children – you gain around £86 extra per year
- Three children – your annual Child Benefit increases even more
These payments are normally made every four weeks, although you may request weekly payments if you are:
- A single parent
- Receiving certain benefits
Why Child Benefit Increases Matter in 2026
While Child Benefit does not fully keep pace with inflation, these increases help:
- Offset rising food and energy costs
- Support families during school years
- Provide predictable income alongside wages
Child Benefit is especially important because it:
- Is not means-tested
- Does not affect most other benefits
- Can protect your National Insurance record
High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) in 2026
If you or your partner earn a higher income, you still qualify for Child Benefit—but you may have to pay some or all of it back through the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
The key point for 2026
The higher £60,000 threshold remains in place.
This is a major improvement over the old £50,000 threshold that applied for many years.
How the charge works in 2026
- No charge if your income is £60,000 or less
- You repay 1% of your Child Benefit for every £200 over £60,000
- The charge reaches 100% at £80,000
This means:
- You keep some Child Benefit between £60,000 and £80,000
- You lose it all only once income reaches £80,000
Important: income is still assessed individually
Until further reform is confirmed:
- The charge is based on individual income, not household income
This can still feel unfair if:
- One partner earns £61,000
- The other earns £0
But reform is coming.
Planned Move to Household Income Basis
The government has announced plans to move the High Income Child Benefit Charge from an individual income basis to a household income basis by April 2026.
Why this matters
Under the current system:
- A single earner on £61,000 pays the charge
- Two earners on £59,000 each do not
A household-based system would:
- Treat families with similar total incomes more fairly
- Reduce distortions in work decisions
What you should do
The exact rules are not yet final. You should:
- Watch for regulations published closer to April 2026
- Avoid making long-term assumptions until confirmed
Should You Still Claim Child Benefit if You Earn Over £60,000?
In many cases, yes.
Even if you expect to repay some or all of it:
- Claiming protects National Insurance credits, especially if you are not working
- You keep flexibility if income drops later
- You avoid gaps in your claim history
You can:
- Claim and repay through self-assessment
- Or opt out of payments while keeping your claim open
How Child Benefit Works with Universal Credit in 2026
Child Benefit is separate from Universal Credit, but most families consider them together when budgeting.
Big change for larger families
From April 2026, the controversial two-child limit in child-related benefits is set to be removed.
This affects:
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credit (legacy cases)
This is one of the most significant family-policy changes in years.
What the two-child limit removal means for you
If you have:
- Three or more children
- A claim for Universal Credit
You may:
- Receive additional child elements again
- See a substantial increase in monthly income
For many families, this change will matter far more than the Child Benefit rate rise alone.
Universal Credit Increases in 2026
Alongside Child Benefit changes, Universal Credit is also expected to increase in 2026.
Likely improvements include:
- Higher standard allowances
- Increased childcare cost support
- Better interaction with work incentives
When combined with Child Benefit, this can:
- Improve overall financial stability
- Reduce child poverty
- Make work pay for more parents
How the 2026 Rules Affect You in Practice
If your income is under £60,000
- You receive full Child Benefit
- No tax charge applies
- Simple, automatic support continues
If your income is £60,000–£80,000
- You still receive Child Benefit
- You repay part of it through tax
- Budgeting and self-assessment are essential
If you have three or more children
- Child Benefit continues for all children
- Universal Credit support increases from April 2026
- Your overall household income may rise significantly
Payment Dates in Early 2026
Child Benefit payment schedules remain broadly the same.
You can expect:
- Payments every 4 weeks
- Adjustments around bank holidays
- Normal processing in January 2026
Always check official payment calendars if:
- You rely on precise dates
- You budget week-to-week
What You Should Do Now
To prepare for the 2026 Child Benefit changes, you should:
1. Check your current Child Benefit claim
- Make sure every eligible child is included
- Add new children promptly
2. Review your income position
- Estimate income for 2026–27
- Plan for the High Income Child Benefit Charge if needed
3. Consider Universal Credit eligibility
- Especially if you have three or more children
- Use official calculators
4. Stay informed about household income reforms
- Watch for final HICBC regulations
- Adjust financial planning when confirmed
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Stopping Child Benefit claims unnecessarily
- Forgetting to register for self-assessment
- Assuming Universal Credit rules stay the same
- Missing updates on household income changes
From 1 January 2026 and into the 2026–27 tax year, the UK Child Benefit system becomes more generous, fairer for higher earners, and significantly more supportive of larger families when combined with wider benefit reforms. Higher weekly payments, a continued £60,000 income threshold, and the removal of the two-child cap from April 2026 all work together to strengthen family finances. By checking your claim, understanding how the High Income Child Benefit Charge affects you, and staying alert to upcoming household-income reforms, you can make sure your family receives every pound it is entitled to under the new rules.
FAQ’s
1. Will you still get Child Benefit if you earn over £60,000?
Yes. You can still claim it, but you may have to repay some or all of it through the High Income Child Benefit Charge. The charge increases gradually between £60,000 and £80,000.
2. When does the two-child cap end?
The two-child limit on child-related benefits is set to end from April 2026, allowing families with three or more children to receive extra support again through Universal Credit.
3. Do you need to reapply for Child Benefit in 2026?
No. In most cases, your claim continues automatically. You only need to update details if your circumstances change.
