How Much Is Child Benefit in the UK? Weekly Rates and Tax Charge Explained
Child Benefit is paid at a higher weekly rate for your eldest or only child and a lower rate for each additional child. This guide explains the rates, how payments work, how higher earners can be affected by the tax charge, and how to claim.
By the editorial team9 min readPrepared 3 November 2026 · Editorial review required
Child Benefit is one of the most widely claimed payments in the UK. It is not means-tested, so you can usually get it whatever your income or savings. This guide explains how much Child Benefit is, how payments are made, when a tax charge can reduce its value, and how to claim without losing out.
Check the current rate. Child Benefit rates are normally reviewed each April. The figures below are the 2025 to 2026 weekly rates, which are the ones we can corroborate. If you are reading this after April 2026, check the current rates on GOV.UK before relying on any figure here.
How much is Child Benefit?
Child Benefit is paid as a weekly amount, with two rates:
- a higher rate for your eldest or only child, and
- a lower rate for each additional child.
The 2025 to 2026 weekly rates were:
| Child | Weekly rate (2025 to 2026) | Approximate annual total (52 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Eldest or only child | £26.05 | £1,354.60 |
| Each additional child | £17.25 | £897.00 |
Child Benefit is not limited to two children. Unlike some other parts of the benefits system, you can claim for every child in your household who qualifies.
Why the amount depends on the eldest child
The higher rate is paid for the eldest child you are claiming for, not the eldest in the wider family. If you are the only person claiming and your eldest child stops qualifying, for example because they leave education, the higher rate then moves to your next-eldest child. Your total weekly payment will usually fall at that point.
Worked examples of weekly and annual payments
These examples use the 2025 to 2026 rates above. They are illustrations, not a promise of what you will receive. A tax year can include 52 or 53 payment weeks, and rates change.
| Family | Weekly calculation | Weekly total | Over 52 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| One child | £26.05 | £26.05 | £1,354.60 |
| Two children | £26.05 + £17.25 | £43.30 | £2,251.60 |
| Three children | £26.05 + £17.25 + £17.25 | £60.55 | £3,148.60 |
Child Benefit is usually paid every four weeks, so a four-week payment for one child would be four times the weekly rate. Some people, including certain lone parents and families receiving particular other benefits, can ask to be paid weekly instead. Check the GOV.UK page on Child Benefit for the current rules on payment frequency.
Who can claim Child Benefit
You can generally claim if you are responsible for a child who is:
- under 16, or
- under 20 and in approved education or training.
"Responsible" usually means the child lives with you, or you are paying at least the equivalent of the Child Benefit rate towards their upkeep. Only one person can receive Child Benefit for a particular child. If two people could claim, for example separated parents sharing care, they need to agree who claims, or HMRC will decide.
Residence conditions apply. You normally need to be living in the UK, and your immigration status and length of residence can matter. If you have recently moved to or from the UK, check the eligibility rules on GOV.UK or contact HMRC.
Approved education and training
For a young person aged 16 to 19, the education or training must be approved. This generally covers full-time non-advanced education such as A levels, T levels or similar courses, and some approved training programmes. Degree-level courses do not usually qualify. You must tell HMRC when your child leaves education, because payments will otherwise be overpaid and you could be asked to repay them.
The High Income Child Benefit Charge
Child Benefit is not means-tested at the point of claiming, but a tax charge can claw back some or all of it from higher earners. This is the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).
From 6 April 2024, the charge applies if you or your partner have an adjusted net income above £60,000 in a tax year. Whichever of you has the higher income is the one who is liable. The charge is:
- 1% of the Child Benefit for every £200 of adjusted net income above £60,000, and
- 100% of the Child Benefit once adjusted net income reaches £80,000.
| Higher earner's adjusted net income | Effect of the charge |
|---|---|
| £60,000 or below | No HICBC |
| Between £60,000 and £80,000 | Partial charge, 1% of Child Benefit for each £200 above £60,000 |
| £80,000 or more | Charge equals 100% of the Child Benefit received |
The test applies to the individual with the higher income, not to the household total. The government has discussed moving to a household-based system, but you should check GOV.UK for the current position rather than assuming a change has taken effect.
Worked example: partial charge
Suppose a parent has adjusted net income of £70,000 and the family receives Child Benefit for two children at the 2025 to 2026 rates, a total of about £2,251.60 over 52 weeks.
- Income above £60,000: £70,000 − £60,000 = £10,000.
- Number of £200 steps: £10,000 ÷ £200 = 50.
- Charge percentage: 50 × 1% = 50%.
- Approximate charge: 50% of £2,251.60 = £1,125.80.
In that case the family would keep roughly half the Child Benefit after the charge. Actual figures depend on the exact weeks paid, the precise adjusted net income and the tax year's rates.
What counts as adjusted net income?
Adjusted net income is your total taxable income, before the personal allowance, minus certain deductions such as Gift Aid donations and pension contributions made by relief at source. Because some contributions reduce adjusted net income, they can lower or remove the charge. This is a tax matter, so consider checking HMRC guidance or speaking to a tax adviser or accountant if your income is near a threshold.
Do not simply stop claiming. If you are affected by HICBC, you can choose to claim Child Benefit but opt out of receiving the payments. This avoids the charge while keeping the claim in place, which can matter for National Insurance credits and for your child getting a National Insurance number. Stopping the claim altogether can have knock-on effects.
Other things Child Benefit can do for you
- National Insurance credits: if you claim Child Benefit for a child under 12 and are not working or earn little, you may get credits towards your State Pension record. This is a key reason to make a claim even if you opt out of payments.
- National Insurance number: your child is normally sent one before their 16th birthday if a Child Benefit claim is in place.
- Guardian's Allowance: if you are bringing up a child whose parents have died, or in some other limited circumstances, you may be able to claim this in addition to Child Benefit. Check GOV.UK for the current weekly rate and the conditions.
How it fits with other benefits
Child Benefit is a separate claim from Universal Credit and is not normally counted as income for Universal Credit. Having children may also affect what other support you can get, such as the child element of Universal Credit, help with childcare costs, or free school meals. You can use our Universal Credit calculator for an estimate, or read our guide to what benefits you may be entitled to for a wider overview.
How to claim Child Benefit
- Gather your details. You will need your National Insurance number, your bank details, and your child's birth date and details. For a new baby, you will need the birth details, and in some cases the birth certificate.
- Make your claim. Claim online through GOV.UK, through the HMRC app, or by post using the claim form. Check the current claim options on GOV.UK.
- Decide whether to receive payments. If you or your partner earns above £60,000, think about the HICBC and whether to opt out of payments while keeping the claim.
- Send any documents HMRC asks for. HMRC may ask for evidence, such as a birth certificate or proof of identity or residence.
- Keep HMRC updated. Report changes such as a child leaving education, a move, a new partner, a change in who looks after the child, or a move abroad.
Backdating
Child Benefit can usually be backdated by up to three months if you were eligible during that time. Do not delay a claim for a newborn, because payments generally start from the date you are entitled, up to that limit, and not from the date you first think about claiming.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Not claiming because of the HICBC. You can claim and opt out of payments, so you do not need to miss out on credits.
- Forgetting to report changes. Failing to tell HMRC when a child leaves education or when your circumstances change can lead to overpayments.
- Not telling HMRC about a new partner. A change in household income can alter the HICBC position.
- Assuming the lower rate applies to your eldest child. The higher rate is for the eldest child you are claiming for.
- Not completing a self-assessment return when required. If you or your partner owe the HICBC, you may need to register for Self Assessment and report the charge.
- Ignoring a stopped payment letter. HMRC often sends a review letter around a child's 16th birthday asking you to confirm education or training plans.
Tip: keep a note of the date you made the claim and your claim reference. If you later need to dispute a decision, ask HMRC for a reconsideration, or appeal if you disagree with the outcome.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Child Benefit per week in the UK?
For 2025 to 2026 it was £26.05 for the eldest or only child and £17.25 for each additional child. Rates are normally reviewed each April, so check GOV.UK for the current figure.
How often is Child Benefit paid?
Usually every four weeks. Some people, such as certain lone parents or those on specific other benefits, can be paid weekly. Check the current rules on GOV.UK.
Do I get Child Benefit if I earn over £60,000?
You can still claim, but the High Income Child Benefit Charge may apply. It reduces the benefit once the higher earner's adjusted net income passes £60,000 and reaches 100% at £80,000. You can opt out of receiving payments if you prefer.
Is there a limit on how many children I can claim for?
No. Child Benefit is paid for each qualifying child, with the higher rate for the eldest and the lower rate for the others.
Until what age is Child Benefit paid?
Until a child turns 16, or until they turn 20 if they remain in approved education or training. You must tell HMRC when they leave.
Can I backdate a Child Benefit claim?
Usually for up to three months, if you were eligible during that period. Claim as soon as you can to avoid losing money.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Child Benefit
- GOV.UK: Child Benefit, what you'll get
- GOV.UK: Child Benefit, eligibility
- GOV.UK: Child Benefit, how to claim
- GOV.UK: High Income Child Benefit Charge
- GOV.UK: Guardian's Allowance
Editorial note: this guide provides general information, not individual welfare-rights advice. Rules and entitlements depend on personal circumstances and differ across the UK. TheBenefitsCalculator.co.uk is independent and not affiliated with DWP, HMRC or GOV.UK. Prepared 3 November 2026; figures and eligibility require independent editorial verification before publication.