What is Child Benefit?
In simple terms: Child Benefit is a regular payment to help with the costs of raising a child. It's paid every 4 weeks to one parent/carer.
Child Benefit is one of the few benefits that isn't means-tested - anyone responsible for a child can claim it, regardless of income. However, high earners may have to pay some or all of it back through tax.
How Much is Child Benefit? (2025/26)
| Child | Weekly Rate | 4-Weekly Payment | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| First/only child | £26.05 | £104.20 | £1,354.60 |
| Each additional child | £17.25 | £69.00 | £897.00 |
Example: Family with 3 Children
Who Can Claim Child Benefit?
You can claim Child Benefit if:
The child must live with you (or you pay towards their upkeep)
They must be doing GCSEs, A-levels, an apprenticeship, or similar
Special rules apply if you work abroad or are in the Armed Forces
Only One Person Can Claim
Only one person can claim Child Benefit for each child. If two people look after a child, you need to agree who claims. If you can't agree, HMRC will decide.
High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC)
Important: If you or your partner earns over £60,000, you'll have to pay back some or all of your Child Benefit through extra tax.
How HICBC Works
Keep 100% of your Child Benefit
Pay back 1% for every £200 earned over £60,000
At £70,000 you'd pay back 50%
Pay back 100% (you effectively get nothing)
Should You Still Claim?
Yes! Even if you have to pay it all back, it's still worth claiming because:
- • The person who claims gets National Insurance credits (protecting their State Pension)
- • Your child gets their own National Insurance number automatically at 16
- • If your income drops, you'll already be registered
You can choose not to receive the payments (opt out) but still register the claim to keep the NI credits.
How to Claim Child Benefit
Get the Form
Download form CH2 from GOV.UK or call the Child Benefit helpline (0300 200 3100) to get one posted.
Fill In the Form
You'll need your National Insurance number and your child's birth or adoption certificate.
Send It Off
Post the form with your child's original birth certificate (it'll be returned). You can claim online for some children.
Backdating
Child Benefit can be backdated up to 3 months. Claim as soon as possible after your child is born - don't wait for the birth certificate.
When Does Child Benefit Stop?
For Most Children
Child Benefit stops on 31 August after your child turns 16, unless they stay in approved education or training.
If They Stay in Education
You can keep getting Child Benefit until they're 20 if they're in approved education or training (A-levels, BTEC, apprenticeship, etc.). University doesn't count.
If They Leave Education Early
Child Benefit continues for 20 weeks if they leave education and register with a careers service.
Key Points to Remember
- ✓First child gets more than additional children
- ✓Anyone can claim regardless of income - but high earners pay it back through tax
- ✓Worth registering even if you don't receive payments (for NI credits)
- ✓Claim early - can only backdate 3 months
- ✓Tell HMRC if your child leaves education or your circumstances change
Related Guides
Calculate Your Child Benefit
See how much you could receive and if HICBC applies to you
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