Child Benefit and Guardian's Allowance rise 6 Apr 2026

If you claim Child Benefit in the UK, you’ll see a small rise from Monday 6 April 2026. The Treasury has confirmed new rates for both Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance so families get a little extra each week. This change is set out in a formal law, the Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance Up‑rating Order 2026 (SI 2026/232). It was made on 3 March 2026 and approved by both Houses of Parliament, with the text published on legislation.gov.uk.

Here are the new weekly amounts. The rate for an eldest or only child increases from £26.05 to £27.05. The rate for each additional child goes from £17.25 to £17.90. Guardian’s Allowance rises from £22.10 to £22.95. These figures are weekly. Child Benefit is commonly paid every four weeks, so that works out at £108.20 for an eldest or only child and £71.60 for each additional child over a four‑week pay period.

The new rates take effect on 6 April 2026, which is the first Monday of the 2026–27 tax year. If your payment cycle spans that date, the first full pay period after 6 April will reflect the increase.

Who benefits? Families already receiving Child Benefit will receive the higher amounts from that date. People entitled to Guardian’s Allowance will also see the weekly rise. This Order only changes the amounts. It does not rewrite eligibility rules or the High Income Child Benefit Charge, which can reduce what higher‑income households keep. For personal questions on your situation, check HMRC’s official guidance.

Let’s turn the policy into numbers you can use. If you have one child, you’ll receive £27.05 a week (£108.20 every four weeks). Two children comes to £44.95 a week (£179.80 every four weeks). Across a full year, that’s £1,406.60 for an eldest or only child and £930.80 for each additional child. Remember: if the High Income Child Benefit Charge applies to you, your net position may be different.

Quick glossary for clarity. Up‑rating means raising benefit amounts, usually in line with price rises. The enhanced rate is the amount for the eldest or only child. “Other cases” is the legal term for each additional child. Guardian’s Allowance is an extra weekly sum for someone bringing up a child whose parents have died, as defined in social security law. A Statutory Instrument (SI) is a type of secondary legislation used to make detailed changes without passing a new Act.

Why now? Under section 150 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992, ministers review prices each year. The Treasury concluded that prices were higher over the 2025–26 review period, so the Order raises the rates accordingly. A report from the Government Actuary on the likely effect on the National Insurance Fund (in relation to the Guardian’s Allowance increase) was laid before Parliament alongside the draft.

The Order also makes corresponding provision for Northern Ireland in respect of Guardian’s Allowance, ensuring the same weekly rate of £22.95 applies. The Child Benefit rate changes are made by amending the 2006 regulations that set the rates.

Do you need to do anything? For ongoing claims, up‑rating happens automatically once the law takes effect. If your family circumstances change-such as a new baby or a change in guardianship-you should update HMRC in the usual way so your record stays accurate.

Teachers and students: this is a neat budgeting exercise. Use the new weekly figures to build a simple household budget, convert weekly sums into four‑weekly and annual amounts, and discuss how even small changes add up when prices are rising.

Key dates and names for your notes: made on 3 March 2026; in force from Monday 6 April 2026. The Order was signed for HM Treasury by Gen Kitchen and Christian Wakeford, two of the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty’s Treasury.

If you want the formal wording, search for the Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance Up‑rating Order 2026 on legislation.gov.uk and read the explanatory note. For practical claiming guidance, use HMRC’s Child Benefit pages to check how the new rates apply to you.