Child benefit is available to any parent, but if you earn over a certain amount you may need to pay some or all of it back. In this guide, we’ll explain who can claim, how much you’ll receive, and when the High Income Child Benefit Charge might apply.
Who Can Claim Child Benefit?
You can claim Child Benefit if you’re responsible for a child, even if you’re not their biological parent. This includes adoptive parents, foster carers, and those in informal care arrangements. In some cases, you may also be eligible if you live abroad.
Only one person can claim for each child, so if you’re separated or caring for someone else’s child, it’s important to agree who will make the claim.
When Is a Child Eligible?
A child becomes eligible when their birth is registered, and claims can be backdated to their date of birth. Child Benefit usually continues until the child turns 16, or up to age 20 if they remain in approved education or training.
You may also continue receiving payments for up to 20 weeks if a 16- or 17-year-old leaves education or training and registers with the armed forces or a government-sponsored careers service.
However, eligibility ends if the child:
- Starts paid work for 24+ hours a week and is not in approved education or training.
- Begins an apprenticeship.
- Starts receiving benefits in their own name (e.g. Universal Credit, Income Support).
How Much Is It?
As of the current rates:
- £21.05 per week for your first child.
- £13.95 per week for each additional child.
Payments are made every 4 weeks, so that’s:
- £84.20 for the first child.
- £55.80 for each additional child.
When Might I Have to Repay It?
If you or your partner earns more than £60,000 per year, you’ll need to repay some or all of your Child Benefit through the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
The charge is calculated as 1% of the Child Benefit received for every £100 of income over £60,000. If your income exceeds £80,000, you’ll repay the full amount.
How Do I pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge?
Repaying Child Benefit needs to be done through completing a self-assessment tax return at the end of each financial year. You can complete this yourself or get an accountant to do it for you. Once your self-assessment has been completed, you will be advised on how much you have to repay and how to do so.
Should I Still Claim if I’ll Repay It All?
In many cases, yes. There are a few reasons you might want to do this:
- National Insurance credits: If your partner has a low income, claiming Child Benefit can help them build up NI credits towards their State Pension.
- Automatic NI number: Your child will automatically receive a National Insurance number at age 16 if you’ve claimed Child Benefit.
- Changing circumstances: Income can fluctuate. Even if you expect to earn over £60,000, a change in circumstances could mean you’re entitled to keep some or all of the benefit.
How Do I Claim Child Benefit?
In order to claim Child Benefit, you'll need to fill out a CH2 form. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with Anderson Accounts.
All figures correct as of 11 November 2025.
