Child Benefit
Paid to anyone responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 in approved education or training. There is no income limit on claiming — only on keeping the money untaxed. Even where it is fully repaid through the High Income Child Benefit Charge, claiming still makes sense.
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The 2026/27 rates
| Child | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eldest or only child | £27.05 | £117.22 | £1,406.60 |
| Each additional child | £17.90 | £77.57 | £930.80 |
For a family with three children: £27.05 + £17.90 + £17.90 = £62.85 a week, or £3,268.20 a year. Paid every four weeks, directly into a bank account, tax-free unless the High Income Charge applies.
Who can claim
- You are responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they remain in approved education or training.
- Only one person can claim Child Benefit for a child at any time. If two people could claim, they agree between them who does.
- You do not have to be the parent. A grandparent, relative or anyone with responsibility for the child can claim, and the child does not have to live with you permanently.
- There is no capital limit, no savings limit and no income limit for claiming — only for the tax charge on receiving it.
The High Income Child Benefit Charge
Child Benefit is paid in full regardless of income. But if you or your partner has adjusted net income over a threshold, some or all of it must be repaid through the tax system.
| Your adjusted net income | What happens |
|---|---|
| Up to £60,000 | No charge. You keep all of the Child Benefit. |
| £60,000 to £80,000 | You repay 1% of the Child Benefit for every £200 of income above £60,000. At £70,000 you repay half; at £79,800 you repay almost all of it. |
| Over £80,000 | You repay the entire amount through Self Assessment. |
The charge is based on the higher earner in the household, not on combined income. Where a couple earns £59,000 each, no charge arises — even though the household income is £118,000. This is the single most criticised feature of the charge.
It is still worth claiming even if you repay everything. Because claiming Child Benefit gives you Class 3 National Insurance credits until your youngest child turns 12, protecting your State Pension record. Without those credits, a parent who is not working may need to pay voluntary contributions to fill the gap — currently over £900 a year. Claim, tick the box to opt out of payment if you prefer, and keep the credits.
Reducing your adjusted net income. Contributions to a workplace or personal pension reduce adjusted net income, as do Gift Aid donations and certain salary sacrifice arrangements. If you are just over the threshold, a modest increase in pension contributions may eliminate the charge entirely. Take advice before restructuring pay — the rules are strict and the deadline is 31 January following the end of the tax year.
Children in education or training
Child Benefit can continue up to age 20 where the child remains in approved education or training. Approved means:
- Non-advanced education such as A levels, Scottish Highers, NVQ up to level 3, or a supported internship — at a school or college.
- At least 12 hours a week of teaching or supervised study.
- An approved training course in England, such as a traineeship, or in Wales or Scotland an equivalent programme.
University courses and higher-level apprenticeships do not qualify. You must tell HMRC when the child turns 16 and again if their circumstances change. Extensions are granted term by term, not automatically.
What Child Benefit unlocks
- National Insurance credits until your youngest child is 12 — protecting your State Pension.
- Universal Credit child elements, which depend on your being responsible for the child rather than on Child Benefit itself, but the claim establishes the household structure cleanly.
- Guardian's Allowance where you are bringing up a child as an orphan.
- Sure Start Maternity Grant — a one-off £500 payment in some circumstances.
- Free school meals and other local schemes in some areas, where Child Benefit is used as a proxy for household composition.
How to claim
- Claim as soon as the child arrivesClaims can be backdated up to three months, but not longer without a good reason, so do not delay.
- Claim online or by postUse the online service at gov.uk, or form CH2 if you cannot claim online. You need your bank details and the child's birth certificate or adoption order.
- Tell HMRC about the higher earnerWhere a partner has income over £60,000, the higher earner must register for Self Assessment and complete a tax return. HMRC should contact you, but responsibility for the charge rests with you, not them.
- Report changes promptlyA child leaving education, moving out, or a change in the household can all end or change the award — and unreported changes produce overpayments that HMRC will recover.
Not sure if the charge applies to you?
We can check your household position, work out whether claiming is worthwhile, and deal with HMRC where a charge has arisen.
Book a consultation — £50 Is your child entitled to DLA?