Child Benefit in the UK: how to claim and how much you get
Child Benefit is a regular government payment available to almost every family with a child under 16 in the UK. Unlike many benefits, it is not means-tested in the usual sense: most families qualify regardless of income, though a tax charge does apply at higher earnings. Knowing how to claim promptly, and understanding the rules around the high-income charge, means you do not miss out on money you are entitled to or damage your State Pension record in the process.
Who can claim Child Benefit
You can claim Child Benefit if you are responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they are in approved education or training. You do not need to be the biological parent. Foster parents and others responsible for a child can also claim.
Only one person can claim Child Benefit for each child. Where two people share responsibility, they need to decide between themselves who will claim. It is generally most valuable for the parent who is not working, working fewer hours, or not earning above the National Insurance threshold to be the named claimant, because of the NI credits that come with it (explained below).
How much is Child Benefit in 2026
The 2026/27 rates are:
- £26.05 per week for your eldest or only child
- £17.25 per week for each additional child
Payments are made every 4 weeks directly into your bank account. If you are a single parent you can request weekly payments instead. Child Benefit rates are typically updated each April. Always check the current rates at GOV.UK.
How to claim
You can claim Child Benefit online via GOV.UK or by completing a paper CH2 form and posting it to HMRC. To claim online you will need a Government Gateway account.
Before you can claim, you need to register your baby's birth first. You cannot claim without a birth registration in place. Once the birth is registered, claim as quickly as possible. Child Benefit can only be backdated for up to 3 months, so any delay beyond that means you lose payments you could have received.
What you will need to complete the claim
- Your National Insurance number
- Your bank account details
- Your baby's date of birth and, usually, their birth certificate
- Your partner's National Insurance number if you have one
The High Income Child Benefit Charge
If either you or your partner earns more than £60,000 in a tax year, a tax charge applies that claws back some or all of the Child Benefit you receive. The charge is calculated as 1% of the total Child Benefit for every £200 of income above £60,000. At £80,000 or above, the charge equals the full benefit, so the net payment is zero.
The charge applies to the higher earner in the household, not the person who claims the benefit. If your partner claims Child Benefit and you earn over £60,000, the charge falls on you and must be declared via a Self Assessment tax return.
Still claim even if the charge applies
This is one of the most important points in this article: do not skip claiming Child Benefit to avoid the tax charge. Even if the charge wipes out the entire payment, claiming Child Benefit earns National Insurance credits for the claiming parent. These credits count towards your State Pension record in exactly the same way as paid NI contributions.
If you are not working or not earning above the NI threshold, years without NI credits can permanently reduce your State Pension entitlement. Losing even a few years of credits can cost you thousands of pounds over a retirement. The solution is straightforward: claim Child Benefit, receive the NI credits, and if the charge applies, opt out of receiving the actual payments. HMRC lets you do this through your Child Benefit account.
Payment schedule
Child Benefit is paid every 4 weeks, on a Monday or Tuesday. The specific date depends on when you claimed. You can see your payment schedule in your online Child Benefit account on GOV.UK. Single parents can request weekly payments by contacting HMRC.
How long does Child Benefit last
Child Benefit continues until your child is 16 years old, or until they are 20 if they remain in approved education or training (such as A levels, T levels, NVQs or Scottish Highers, but not university). HMRC will contact you when your child reaches 16 to confirm whether payments should continue.
Frequently asked questions
When should I claim Child Benefit?
Claim as soon as possible after registering your baby's birth. Child Benefit can only be backdated by 3 months, so any delay beyond that means missed payments. You can claim online at GOV.UK or by completing a CH2 form.
How much is Child Benefit in 2026?
£26.05 per week for your eldest or only child, and £17.25 per week for each additional child (2026/27 rates). Paid every 4 weeks. Check GOV.UK for the latest rates, which are usually updated each April.
What is the High Income Child Benefit Charge?
If either parent in the household earns over £60,000 in a tax year, a tax charge claws back 1% of the Child Benefit for every £200 above that threshold. At £80,000 the charge equals the full payment. Even so, you should still claim because doing so earns NI credits that protect your State Pension record. You can opt out of the payments while keeping the credits.
Does Child Benefit affect other benefits?
Child Benefit is not counted as income for Universal Credit. If you receive Tax Credits, Child Benefit counts as income and may reduce what you get. Citizens Advice can help you work out the effect on your particular situation.
Do I get National Insurance credits if I claim Child Benefit?
Yes. Claiming Child Benefit for a child under 12 earns NI credits for the named claimant. These credits count towards your State Pension exactly as paid contributions do. This is especially valuable if you are not working or earning below the NI threshold. If you opt out of payments to avoid the high-income charge, you can retain the credits by keeping the claim active.
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