Newtown families claiming Child Benefit can expect a boost in their payments starting on 6 April 2024, as confirmed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

According to HMRC, families with one child will now receive up to £1,331 a year – an annual increase of £83.20, and up to £881 a year per additional child – an annual increase of £54.60. There is no limit to how many children families can claim for.

Parents will receive £102.40 every 4 weeks (£25.60 per week) for the first or only child and £67.80 every 4 weeks (£16.95 per week) for each additional child.

Families with ongoing claims do not need to contact HMRC, as the increased benefit payment will continue to be paid directly into their bank accounts. However, parents with a newborn baby are encouraged to make a claim online as soon as possible and could receive their first payment in as little as three days.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, emphasized the automatic increase in Child Benefit rates for existing claimants and urged new claimants to apply online or using HMRC’s app.

Additionally, from 6 April 2024, families where the highest earner has a salary of up to £60,000 a year will not be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC), a significant change that will benefit many families.