A regular payment to people responsible for bringing up a child under 16, or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training.
Many people who are entitled to support never claim it. Check who qualifies, how much you could get and how to make your claim through the official channel.
The rules depend on where you live in the UK and on your household’s circumstances.
What Child Benefit offers
- No limit on children: You can claim for every child you are responsible for.
- National Insurance credits: Claiming protects your State Pension if you are not working while your child is under 12.
- Automatic NI number for child: Your child is sent a National Insurance number at 16 if you claim.
- Backdated up to 3 months: Claims can be backdated up to 3 months.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who can get it | Anyone responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 in approved education or training) |
| How much | £27.05 a week for the eldest or only child; £17.90 a week for each additional child |
| How it's paid | Usually every 4 weeks into your bank account |
| How to claim | Online through your HMRC account or the HMRC app, or by post |
| High earners | High Income Child Benefit Charge may apply if either parent's adjusted net income is over £60,000 |
Key points
No limit on children: You can claim for every child you are responsible for.
National Insurance credits: Claiming protects your State Pension if you are not working while your child is under 12.
Automatic NI number for child: Your child is sent a National Insurance number at 16 if you claim.
About HM Revenue & Customs
Child Benefit is run by HM Revenue & Customs. Claims are made free of charge through the official government channel.
We explain the rules independently and then send you to the official page to claim. We are not a government website.
Amounts and rules can change. The decision on your claim is made by HM Revenue & Customs.