The UK Government, through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has confirmed the Child Benefit payments for September 2025. Families will see slightly higher payments this year after a 1.7% increase came into effect in April 2025. For parents, guardians, and even grandparents caring for children, this benefit continues to be one of the most important financial supports available.
What is Child Benefit?
Child Benefit is money paid by the government to help with the cost of raising children. It is designed to support everyday expenses such as food, clothing, school items, and healthcare. The payments are tax-free and available to most families in the UK, regardless of whether you are employed. In September 2025, the scheme continues to give families a steady stream of support, helping them manage rising living costs. Payments are made directly into your bank account every four weeks, depending on your National Insurance (NI) number. You can always check the official details on gov.uk/child-benefit.
When Will September Payments Arrive?
The exact day you receive your Child Benefit depends on the last two digits of your National Insurance number. For example, NI numbers ending in 00-19 are usually paid on Mondays, 20-39 on Tuesdays, and so on throughout the week. Those ending in 80-99 are paid on Fridays. If your payment date falls on a bank holiday, you’ll get it on the next working day. This ensures that families do not experience long delays. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your bank account around your expected payment date.
Who Can Claim Child Benefit?
To claim Child Benefit in September 2025, you need to meet some simple requirements. The child you are claiming for must be under 16, or under 20 if they are still in approved education or training. Parents, adoptive parents, and foster parents can all apply. Grandparents who are the main carers for their grandchildren are also eligible. Families of armed forces members remain entitled, even if living abroad temporarily. However, children who are in long-term government care, or those living independently without a guardian, do not qualify. Full details are available on the official eligibility page.
How Much Will You Get in September 2025?
The payment amount depends on the number of children you are claiming for. the weekly rates are-£26.05 for the first child, £17.25 for each additional child. This increase may look small, but over time it adds up to important financial support. For example, a family with two children will now receive just over £86 every four weeks, which can help with essentials like school uniforms, food shopping, or childcare needs.
Why Child Benefit is So Important
Child Benefit is more than just a payment it gives families a sense of stability. It helps reduce the pressure of day-to-day expenses, especially at a time when household budgets are stretched. The scheme also supports different family situations, including foster care and grandparents acting as guardians. Another important point is that claiming Child Benefit can help protect your National Insurance record. Parents who are not working, such as those staying home to care for children, still earn credits towards their future State Pension through this scheme.
How to Apply for Child Benefit
Applying is simple and can be done online. You need to complete the Child Benefit claim form on the official government website. You’ll be asked to provide details about yourself, the child, and documents such as a birth certificate. After you submit the application, it usually takes around four weeks for payments to start. The good news is that your claim will be backdated to the date it was received, so you won’t miss out on any money.
The DWP Child Benefit for September 2025 continues to be a vital support for millions of families across the UK. With higher weekly rates and reliable payment dates, it remains one of the simplest and most effective ways for the government to ease the cost of raising children. If you haven’t applied yet, make sure to check the eligibility rules and submit your claim through gov.uk/child-benefit to secure the support your family is entitled