Child Benefit is a tax-free payment made by the UK government to parents or guardians who are responsible for raising children. It is one of the most important forms of financial support for families, and many people are eligible without even knowing it.
Who Can Claim Child Benefit?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be responsible for a child under the age of 16 (or under 20 if they are in approved education or training)
- Live in the UK
- Only one person can claim for each child, even if both parents live together
You can claim Child Benefit whether you are working or not. It is available to all eligible families regardless of income, but high-income earners may need to repay some of it through a special tax (explained later).
How Much Is Child Benefit?
- First child: £25.60 per week
- Additional children: £16.95 per child, per week
So, if you have two children, you would receive £25.60 + £16.95 = £42.55 per week. That’s around £170.20 per month or £2,212.60 per year.
Why Should You Claim Child Benefit?
Even if your income is high and you don’t want to receive the money, claiming is still helpful because:
- You receive National Insurance credits, which count toward your State Pension
- Your child gets a National Insurance number automatically when they turn 16
Final Thoughts
Child Benefit is a valuable support system that helps families manage the costs of raising children. Everyone who is eligible should consider claiming it — even if they don’t want the money, for pension and administrative reasons.
👉 Use the Child Benefit Calculator to see how much you can get.