Child Benefit Basics
Child Benefit is a regular tax-free payment for people who are responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 in approved education or training). It is not means-tested, so anyone responsible for a qualifying child can claim — though households where either partner earns over £60,000 may face a High Income Child Benefit Charge.
Important
Key points
- Child Benefit is £25.60 per week for the eldest or only child and £16.95 for each additional child (2024–25).
- You can claim for any child under 16, or under 20 if in approved education or training.
- If either partner earns over £60,000, the High Income Child Benefit Charge may reduce or eliminate the benefit.
- Claiming Child Benefit — even if you opt out of receiving it — protects your National Insurance record for State Pension purposes.
Who Can Claim Child Benefit
You can claim Child Benefit if you are responsible for a child who is:
- Under 16, or
- Under 20 and in approved education or training (A-levels, T-levels, NVQ up to level 3, or equivalent)
Only one person can claim Child Benefit per child. If two people claim for the same child, HMRC will decide who receives it based on who the child lives with. You must live in the UK and the child must be living with you or you must be contributing at least as much as the Child Benefit amount towards the child's upkeep.
You can claim Child Benefit as soon as the child is born or comes to live with you. Claim as early as possible — Child Benefit can only be backdated for three months.
The High Income Child Benefit Charge
If you or your partner's adjusted net income exceeds £60,000 in a tax year, you become liable for the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). The charge applies to the higher earner, not necessarily the person who claims Child Benefit.
The charge works as follows:
- Income between £60,000 and £80,000: you repay 1% of Child Benefit for every £200 of income above £60,000.
- Income above £80,000: you repay the full Child Benefit amount.
Even if the charge means you repay all of the Child Benefit, it is still worth claiming and opting out of receiving payments — claiming protects your National Insurance record (important for State Pension) and protects the child's own NI record. You can opt out of receiving payments while keeping your NI credit.
How to Claim Child Benefit
Claim Child Benefit online through the HMRC website (gov.uk/child-benefit) or by completing form CH2. You will need:
- Your child's birth certificate or adoption certificate
- Your National Insurance number
- Your bank account details
Claims are processed by HMRC and payments are made every four weeks directly to your bank account. If you are a higher earner subject to the HICBC, register for Self Assessment to declare and pay the charge annually.
If you already receive Child Benefit and your child leaves approved education, you must notify HMRC within four weeks. Failure to do so may result in an overpayment that must be repaid.
Frequently asked questions
Does Child Benefit affect Universal Credit?
Can I claim Child Benefit for a child who does not live with me?
My child is 16 and has left school — can I still claim?
What to do next
- 1Claim Child Benefit online
Start your Child Benefit claim on GOV.UK.
- 2Check the High Income Charge
HMRC guidance on the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
- 3Use a benefits calculator
Check your full benefit entitlement including Child Benefit.
Official bodies and resources
HM Revenue & Customs
GovernmentResponsible for collecting taxes, paying some forms of state support, and administering national insurance.
Citizens Advice
CharityProvides free, confidential, and independent advice on a wide range of issues including benefits, housing, debt, and employment.
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