UK Families Eligible for Double Child Benefit and €420 Bonus in 2025 — Full Claim Guide Inside!

Raising kids in 2025 comes with both rewards and rising costs. That’s why the UK and Irish governments are stepping in with enhanced child benefit support. From increased weekly payments and one-off bonus payouts in the UK to Ireland’s €420 Baby Bonus for newborns, there’s more help available for families than ever before. If you’re a parent or caregiver, now’s the time to understand what you’re entitled to—and how to claim it.

Overview

Families across the UK and Ireland can benefit from higher weekly child benefit rates, one-off double payments, and new baby bonuses introduced to address inflation and cost-of-living challenges.

Feature	Description
UK Child Benefit (2025)	£26.05/week (eldest child), £17.25/week (additional children)
UK Double Payment	One-off payment issued Nov–Dec 2024
Irish Baby Bonus	€420 total (includes €280 grant + €140 first Child Benefit payment)
High-Income Threshold	£60,000/year—HICBC applies (UK)
Application Methods	Online, paper form, or via HMRC app (UK); registration-based (Ireland)
Backdating Limit (UK)	3 months
Key Sites	gov.uk, welfare.ie, HMRC, Department of Social Protection

What Is Child Benefit?

Child Benefit is a government payment made to families raising children to help with everyday costs such as food, clothing, education, and childcare. In the UK, it’s available for children under 16—or under 20 if they remain in full-time education or approved training. In Ireland, it’s paid monthly per child regardless of income.

It’s one of the simplest yet most effective supports for working families and can also safeguard future pension entitlements via National Insurance credits in the UK.

What’s New in 2025?

Starting April 2025, Child Benefit rates have risen to help families cope with inflation:

• £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child
• £17.25 per week for each additional child

UK

To support households through economic pressure, the government issued double Child Benefit payments in November and December 2024. While it was a one-time relief measure, it helped families cover extra winter expenses and school costs.

Ireland

Parents of children born or adopted on or after December 1, 2024, receive a total of €420:

• €280 New Baby Grant
• €140 standard first Child Benefit payment

It’s paid automatically in most cases once the child’s birth or adoption is registered.

Who Can Claim?

You can claim if you:

• Live in the UK
• Are responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 in full-time education)
• Are not already receiving Child Benefit for that child

Only one person per household can claim for a child. You can claim for multiple children.

Note:
If you or your partner earn over £60,000 per year, you may be subject to the High-Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). This doesn’t stop you from claiming—it just means you may have to repay some (or all) of it via self-assessment.

Irish Eligibility

To qualify for the €420 Baby Bonus, you must:

• Be habitually resident in Ireland
• Be the primary caregiver of a child born or adopted on or after December 1, 2024
• Register the birth/adoption within 3 months

How to Claim Child Benefit in the UK

1. Register your child’s birth via your local council
2. Download and complete Form CH2 (available on GOV.UK)
3. Send it to the Child Benefit Office with your child’s birth certificate
4. Alternatively, apply via the HMRC app or online portal

Backdating:
Claims can be backdated for up to 3 months. So even if you’re late, apply as soon as possible to avoid losing out.

How to Claim

1. Register your child’s birth or adoption within 3 months
2. Payment is usually made automatically once registration is complete
3. If not received, contact the Child Benefit Section with ID and proof of address
4. Some may be asked to submit additional documentation

Real-Life Example

Sarah, a mother of two, received the November 2024 double payment, helping her cover her son’s winter clothing and school expenses. She also increased her pension contributions slightly to avoid full HICBC repayment. By combining good timing and smart planning, she maximised her benefit.

Practical Tips for Parents

Use Child Benefit for recurring costs like school meals, nappies, or after-school care. Consider saving a portion.

Avoid HICBC Overpayment

If your earnings are near the £60,000 threshold, pension contributions can reduce your adjusted net income.

Set Up a Child Savings Account

Open a Junior ISA or Child Trust Fund to start saving early for education or future expenses.

Check for Other Support

Use tools like Turn2Us, Entitledto, or MABS (in Ireland) to explore more benefits like Tax-Free Childcare, Universal Credit, or local grants.

Talk to an Adviser

Visit Citizens Advice in the UK or contact Department of Social Protection in Ireland for help with applications and entitlements.

FAQs