New Child Benefit Rates from April 2026 – What You Need to Know

If you’re a parent or guardian relying on Child Benefit or Guardian’s Allowance, there’s good news on the horizon. Starting in April 2026, both payments are set to increase, thanks to a confirmed annual rise tied to inflation.

The Autumn Budget announcement has officially locked in a 3.8% increase, giving a little extra help to families across the UK. But what exactly does this mean for your weekly budget? Let’s break it down into seven key things you need to know.

Increases

Let’s talk numbers. From April 2026, Child Benefit rates are going up by 3.8%. This might not sound like much at first, but even small boosts can add up over the year. For your eldest child, the weekly rate will move from £26.05 to £27.05. For any additional children, you’ll now receive £17.90 each week instead of £17.25.

Here’s a quick look at the changes:

Type of Benefit	Current Rate	New Rate (April 2026)
Eldest Child	£26.05	£27.05
Additional Children	£17.25	£17.90
Guardian’s Allowance	£22.10	£22.95

Indexing

These changes are all based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the year ending September 2025. That means the government is using inflation data to decide how much more support families need. By tying these payments to CPI, it ensures the benefit rises in line with the cost of living – which is essential when every pound counts.

Guardian’s

If you’re receiving Guardian’s Allowance, you’ll also see an increase. From April 2026, this will go up from £22.10 to £22.95 a week. It might seem like a small rise, but it’s in line with inflation, and every bit helps when caring for a child who’s lost one or both parents.

Childcare

While Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance are increasing, there’s also an important reminder from the government for working families – make sure you’re signed up for Tax-Free Childcare. This scheme can save you up to £2,000 a year per child, and even more if your child has a disability.

If your child is under 11 (or under 17 with a disability), you could get some serious savings on childcare costs. Here’s how it works: you pay into a childcare account, and for every £8 you contribute, the government adds £2. That’s up to £500 every three months – or £1,000 if your child has a disability.

Savings

Let’s put this into perspective. Say you’re paying £400 a month for childcare. If you put that into your Tax-Free Childcare account, the government adds £100. Over a year, that’s £1,200 of free money just by using the system properly. If you’ve got more than one child, these savings multiply quickly.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Number of Children	Potential Annual Saving
1 Child	£2,000
2 Children	£4,000
1 Disabled Child	£4,000
2 Disabled Children	£8,000

Eligibility

Child Benefit is available to most families, but be aware of the High Income Child Benefit Charge. If you or your partner earn over £50,000 a year, you may have to pay some of it back through your tax return. It’s still worth claiming, though – even if you don’t need the cash, it can protect your National Insurance record, which affects your State Pension later on.

Planning

Now’s a good time to review your budget and see how these changes will affect you. With the rates going up in April 2026, and the ongoing opportunity to save through Tax-Free Childcare, families have some extra support on the way. It’s not a life-changing amount, but every little boost helps when you’re managing a household.

So, set a reminder, check your eligibility, and make sure you’re getting the most out of these updates. The system might not be perfect, but using the tools available can lighten the financial load – just a bit.

With prices still rising across the board, any increase in child-related benefits is welcome news for families. Whether it’s an extra pound or two each week or a few hundred pounds saved on childcare, these changes could make a real difference over time. Stay informed, take advantage of the tools available, and make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.

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