Child Benefit

What it is

A regular payment from the government to help with the costs of raising children. Paid for every child from birth until at least 16 (or up to 20 if they stay in approved education or training). It also protects your State Pension record if you're not working.

How much you get (2026/27 rates)

• £27.05 per week for your eldest or only child
• £17.90 per week for each additional child
• Up from £26.05 and £17.25 per week in 2025/26
• That's roughly £1,407/year for your first child
• There is no limit to how many children you can claim for

Who can get it

Almost everyone with a child, regardless of income. You must normally have the right to reside in the UK, be living in the UK, and have been living here for at least 3 months.

The High Income Charge

If you or your partner earns over £60,000, you'll need to pay back some through the High Income Child Benefit Charge. If either of you earns over £80,000, you'll repay it all. Even so, always register - it protects your National Insurance record and State Pension entitlement.

How to apply

Claim as soon as you've registered the birth. Apply online at gov.uk/child-benefit or by post using form CH2. You'll need your child's birth certificate and your National Insurance number. Claims can be backdated up to 3 months.

Key things to know

• Increasingly underclaimed, especially by first-time parents and higher earners
• If you're the parent at home, registering gives you National Insurance credits toward your State Pension - this is crucial if you take time off work
• The parent who claims is the one who gets the NI credits - consider carefully who should claim

Related entitlements

See also: Maternity and Paternity Pay · Healthy Start scheme · Tax-Free Childcare · day-one parental rights.

Use our maternity leave calculator to plan your dates.