How much is Child Benefit?

£27.05 a week for your eldest or only child, and £17.90 a week for each additional child — paid every 4 weeks. There's no limit on how many children you can claim for.

What is the High Income Child Benefit Charge?

If the higher earner in your household has an adjusted net income above £60,000, you start paying some of it back as a tax charge — 1% of your Child Benefit for every £200 earned over the threshold. At £80,000 or above, the charge equals 100% of what you receive.

Should I still claim if I'll have to pay it all back?

Usually yes — claiming (even if you opt out of actually receiving the payments) protects your State Pension via National Insurance credits, and registers your child for a National Insurance number ahead of their 16th birthday.

Is the charge based on household income or individual income?

Individual income of the higher earner — not combined household income. Two partners each earning £55,000 (£110,000 combined) pay no charge at all, because neither individually exceeds the threshold.

Until what age can I claim?

Child Benefit stops when your child turns 16, unless they stay in approved full-time education or training, in which case it can continue until they're 20.

Child Benefit — Rates, HICBC & How to Claim

Important

This tool provides an estimate based on the information you provide. It is not an official benefits eligibility assessment. Always confirm with the official GOV.UK service or your local council before making decisions.

What is Child Benefit?

A payment for anyone responsible for raising a child under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training). Only one person can claim per child — usually whoever is the main carer.

Who may qualify

You're responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training)
You live in the UK
There's no income test to claim — but see the High Income Child Benefit Charge below

Payment rates

Child	Weekly rate
Eldest or only child	£27.05
Each additional child	£17.90

The High Income Child Benefit Charge

This is a tax charge, not a reduction to your Child Benefit itself — you still receive the full amount, but the higher earner in the household repays some or all of it through Self Assessment or an adjusted PAYE tax code.

Higher earner's adjusted net income	What happens
Up to £60,000	No charge — keep 100%
£60,000 – £80,000	1% of Child Benefit charged back per £200 over £60,000
£80,000 or more	100% charged back — net benefit is £0

How to apply

Claim online via GOV.UK or by post, using your child's original birth certificate (or adoption certificate) and your National Insurance number. You can claim as soon as you've registered the birth, and claims can be backdated up to 3 months.

Source: GOV.UK — Child Benefit: What you'll get — last reviewed 2026-10-05

Check officially on GOV.UK →

Check your own situation

Use the Benefits Checker — see all 6 benefits at once →

Child Benefit — Rates, HICBC & How to Claim

Recommended Gear

Premium Laptop Stand

4K HD Webcam

Wireless Headset

Ergonomic Office Chair

Standing Desk

Storage Cabinet

Book Case

L Shaped Gaming Desk

Weigh Scale