Family support
Child Benefit UK
Summary
Child Benefit is a UK-wide HMRC payment to help with the cost of raising a child, and only one person can receive Child Benefit for each child.
Who it may help
You usually qualify if you are responsible for a child under 16 and live in the UK; you can usually continue if they are under 20 and in approved education or training.
Who may not qualify
You may not qualify if you are not responsible for the child, do not meet residence rules, or the child no longer meets age/education conditions.
Current rate or rate range
From 6 April 2026, the weekly rate is £27.05 for the eldest or only child and £17.90 for each additional child.
- £27.05 per week for the eldest or only child.
- £17.90 per week for each additional child.
- High Income Child Benefit Charge can reduce or cancel out the value of payments for higher-income households.
Eligibility table
| Means test | Not means-tested, but the High Income Child Benefit Charge may apply depending on income. |
|---|---|
| One claim per child | Only one person can claim Child Benefit for a child. |
| Child age | Usually under 16, or under 20 if in approved education or training. |
| Administration | HMRC administers Child Benefit across the UK. |
Means test or contribution rules
- Means test: Not means-tested, but the High Income Child Benefit Charge may apply depending on income.
Payment frequency
Usually every 4 weeks (typically on a Monday or Tuesday); in some circumstances it can be paid weekly.
How to apply
Claim through HMRC using the official Child Benefit claim service on GOV.UK; you can claim after registering a birth, and claims can usually be backdated for up to 3 months.
Documents needed
- National Insurance number (and partner's if you have one)
- Child's birth or adoption certificate details
- Bank or building society account details
- Date the child came to live with you (if not from birth)
Common mistakes
- Assuming both parents can be paid for the same child (only one person can claim per child).
- Not extending or updating the claim when a child stays in approved education or training after 16.
- Ignoring potential High Income Child Benefit Charge implications and not checking HMRC guidance.
- Missing key claim details (NI numbers, child certificate details, bank account) which can delay payment.
FAQs
Can both parents claim Child Benefit for the same child?
No. Only one person can claim Child Benefit for a child.
Is Child Benefit means-tested?
No, but higher-income households can face the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
How often is Child Benefit paid?
It is usually paid every 4 weeks.
Official source
Nation caveats
- This page is general UK guidance. Rules are administered UK-wide by HMRC, but always confirm current official rules on GOV.UK before acting.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-05
Review and source status
- Prepared by
- MissedBenefits Editorial Team
- Primary sources
- GOV.UK
- Last reviewed
- 2026-05-05
- Correction route
- [email protected]
- Status
- Guidance only, not an official decision
Start checker
Disclaimer
General UK guidance only. Always confirm current official eligibility and claim rules before applying.