Benefits Robin

Child Benefit

Child Benefit is a regular payment for anyone responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they are in approved education or training). It is one of the most straightforward benefits to claim and is available regardless of your income, savings, or employment status. Around 7 million families in the UK currently receive Child Benefit.

The rates are up to £25.60 per week for your eldest or only child, and up to £16.95 per week for each additional child. For a family with two children, this amounts to over £2,200 per year. Payments are made every 4 weeks, or weekly if you are a single parent or receiving certain other benefits.

Even if you or your partner earn over £60,000, there are strong reasons to claim. Claiming Child Benefit provides National Insurance credits for the parent who stays at home to care for children — protecting their State Pension entitlement. This is particularly important for parents who take time out of work. You can choose to opt out of receiving the actual payments (to avoid the High Income Child Benefit Charge) while still protecting your NI record.

Child Benefit is usually claimed shortly after a child is born. You can backdate your claim by up to 3 months. It is separate from and additional to any Universal Credit, Tax Credits, or other benefits you receive. Your child is automatically registered for a National Insurance number when you claim, which they will need when they start work.

Maximum amount

£25.60/wk (first child)

Means-tested

No

Age group

Any age

Processing time

2 to 3 weeks

Key Requirements

  • 1Responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 in education)
  • 2Available regardless of income

How to Apply

  1. 1Apply online at GOV.UK or complete form CH2
  2. 2Claim as soon as the child is born or comes to live with you

What you may need

  • Child's birth or adoption certificate
  • Your National Insurance number
  • Bank or building society details

Helpful tips

  • Even if you or your partner earns over £60,000, you may still want to claim to protect your National Insurance record
  • You can opt out of receiving payments to avoid the High Income Child Benefit Charge

Form

CH2

Official page

GOV.UK →

Evidence You May Need

Essential

Child's birth certificate

Original birth or adoption certificate

Essential

Your National Insurance number

Found on your payslip, P60, or benefit letters

Recommended

Bank details

Account you want payments made to

Helpful

Partner's National Insurance number

If you have a partner, their NI number may be needed

Related Benefits

Universal Credit

Main means-tested benefit for working-age people on low income.

Varies by circumstance

Free School Meals

Free meals during term time for children of families on low income.

Up to £15/wk per child

Healthy Start

Prepaid card for milk, fruit, and vitamins for pregnant women and families with young children.

Up to £4.25/wk

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may be eligible for Child Benefit?
Anyone responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if the child is in approved education or training (such as A-levels, NVQs, or T-levels, but not university). Only one person can claim Child Benefit for each child. There is no income limit for eligibility itself, though the High Income Child Benefit Charge applies if one parent earns over £60,000.
How much is Child Benefit?
Up to £25.60 per week for your eldest or only child, and up to £16.95 per week for each additional child. For a family with three children, this amounts to over £3,100 per year. Payments are usually made every 4 weeks.
What is the High Income Child Benefit Charge?
If you or your partner individually earn over £60,000 per year, you may need to pay back some or all of the Child Benefit through a Self Assessment tax return. The charge is 1% of the Child Benefit amount for every £200 of income over £60,000. At £80,000, you would pay back the full amount. You can opt out of payments to avoid the charge while still protecting your NI record.
Why claim Child Benefit if I earn over £60,000?
Claiming Child Benefit provides National Insurance credits for the parent who stays at home to care for children. This protects their State Pension entitlement — each year of NI credits is worth around £275 per year in State Pension. You can opt out of receiving payments to avoid the tax charge while still getting the NI credits.
How do I claim Child Benefit?
Apply online at GOV.UK or complete form CH2 and post it. You will need your child's birth or adoption certificate. Claim as soon as possible after the child is born — you can backdate by up to 3 months. Processing usually takes 2 to 3 weeks.

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Important: Benefits Robin is not affiliated with the DWP or UK Government. We provide information and assistance, not legal or financial advice. These are estimates based on your answers. Final decisions are made by the DWP.