Child Benefit could rise after new inflation figures

Child Benefit could rise after new figures out today <i>(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)</i>
Child Benefit could rise after new figures out today (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

Parents will be hoping to see their payment rates increase next year, after the CPI figures for September - traditionally the figure on which Child Benefit rises are pegged - hit 3.8%

While the final amounts will have to be confirmed by the chancellor in the Autumn Budget next month, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) used the September 2024 figures for the basis of this year's inflationary rise.

Last year that was around 1.7%, but this year it's much higher at 3.8%.



For pensions, the increase is likely to be even higher, taking into account the Triple Lock pledge, as the average increase in total wages across the UK for May to July was 4.8%.

For the first or eldest child that would see payments go from £26.05 a week to £27.03, and for any additional child from £17.25 a week to £17.69.

There is no two-child cap for Child Benefit, so parents can claim for all their children.

Many benefits are not claimed each year. Use a benefits calculator  to find out what other benefits you might be entitled to, for example,  Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if you have a long-term health condition or disability.


Recommended reading:


What is significant about September's CPI figures?

The September inflation rate is typically used to decide the level of increase for many benefits, such as universal credit, tax credits and disability benefits.

This rate is also a key part of the pension triple lock, which is used to decide how much pensions will increase by in the following April.

However, the increase is based on either this inflation rate, average earnings growth between May and July, or 2.5%.

Given earnings growth was confirmed as 4.8%, the inflation rate would only have been used if there was a shock acceleration beyond this level.

A rise in inflation in September usually means higher-than-expected spending for the Chancellor.

However, higher inflation would also contribute to a higher tax take, with the September rate also typically used to calculate some annual tax increases such as for business rates.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos