Child Benefit

Child Benefit is a monthly payment made to parents and carers responsible for raising children. Administered by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Child Benefit provides regular financial support to help with the day-to-day costs of food, clothing, and household expenses. Beyond the direct cash payment, claiming Child Benefit protects your future State Pension entitlement and ensures your child automatically receives their National Insurance number when they turn 16.

Child Benefit Payment Rates for 2026/27 Child Benefit is paid at two distinct weekly rates. Payments are usually made every four weeks, directly into your bank account.

• Eldest or Only Child: £27.05 per week (£108.20 paid every 4 weeks)
• Additional Children: £17.90 per week per child (£71.60 paid every 4 weeks per child)

For example, a family with two children receives £44.95 per week (£179.80 every four weeks), while a family with three children receives £62.85 per week (£251.40 every four weeks).

Who Qualifies for Child Benefit You can claim Child Benefit if you are responsible for a child who is:

• Under 16 years of age
• Under 20 years of age and in approved full-time non-advanced education (such as A-levels, T-levels, or Scottish Highers) or approved unpaid training.

Only one person can receive Child Benefit for a child. There are no restrictions based on savings, and you do not need to be working to qualify.

Protecting Your State Pension Record If you care for a child under 12 and are not working or earn below the National Insurance lower earnings limit, claiming Child Benefit awards you National Insurance credits. These credits fill gaps in your National Insurance record, protecting your entitlement to the full State Pension later in life.

High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) If you or your partner earn an individual adjusted net income over £60,000 per year, you may be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge.

Key HICBC Rules:

• Income Threshold: The charge applies if either individual's income exceeds £60,000. It is based on individual income, not combined household income.
• Taper Scale: The charge is calculated at 1% of the total Child Benefit received for every £200 of income between £60,000 and £80,000.
• Income Over £80,000: If either partner earns £80,000 or more, the tax charge equals 100% of the Child Benefit received.

Important Advice for High Earners Even if you or your partner earn over £80,000, you should still fill out and submit a Child Benefit claim form. When filling in the form, you can select the option to opt out of receiving cash payments.

Opting out of payments ensures that:

1. You do not have to pay any High Income Child Benefit Charge or complete a Self Assessment tax return solely for Child Benefit.
2. The primary carer continues to receive National Insurance credits until the child turns 12.
3. Your child is automatically issued a National Insurance number shortly before their 16th birthday.

How to Apply and Manage Your Claim New parents can claim Child Benefit online through the HMRC Child Benefit page on GOV.UK or via the official HMRC app. Claims can be backdated by up to three months from the date HMRC receives your application, so it is best to apply as soon as your child is born or comes to live with you. For independent advice regarding family grants and benefit interactions, check Citizens Advice Child Benefit resources.