Child Benefit UK

    Complete guide to Child Benefit - current rates, how to claim, and what you need to know about the High Income Charge.

    What is Child Benefit?

    Child Benefit is a tax-free payment from the government to help with the costs of raising a child. It's paid every 4 weeks and you can claim for each child you're responsible for.

    You can claim Child Benefit if you're responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they're in approved education or training.

    Current Rates

    Weekly Child Benefit Rates

    • Eldest or only child£25.60/week
    • Additional children£16.95/week

    Monthly Equivalents

    • 1 child~£111/month
    • 2 children~£184/month
    • 3 children~£258/month
    • 4 children~£331/month

    High Income Child Benefit Charge

    If you or your partner earns over £60,000, you may have to pay back some or all of your Child Benefit through the High Income Child Benefit Charge.

    Income Thresholds

    • Below £60,000Keep all benefit
    • £60,000 - £80,000Partial clawback
    • Over £80,000Full clawback

    Still claim even if affected

    Even if you're affected by the charge, it's worth claiming Child Benefit to protect your National Insurance record and ensure your child gets a National Insurance number automatically at 16.

    How to Claim

    You can claim Child Benefit as soon as you've registered the birth of your child. Claims can be made online at GOV.UK or by post.

    Claim within 3 months

    Child Benefit can only be backdated for 3 months, so make sure to claim as soon as possible after your child is born.

    Payment Schedule

    Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. You can choose to be paid weekly if you're a single parent or if either you or your partner receive certain benefits.

    The first payment will include any backdated amounts from the date you became eligible.

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