Child Benefit 2026/27
Last updated: March 2026 — Rates for the 2026/27 tax year
Child Benefit is a regular payment from the government to help parents and guardians with the cost of raising children. It is usually paid every 4 weeks and is available for each child you are responsible for until they turn 16, or until they turn 20 if they stay in approved education or training.
There are two rates: a higher rate for your eldest or only child and a lower rate for each additional child. Child Benefit is not means-tested, so your income does not affect whether you can claim. However, if you or your partner have an individual income over £60,000, you may have to pay some or all of the benefit back through the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). The charge is 1% of the Child Benefit for every £200 of income above £60,000, meaning it is fully clawed back at £80,000.
Even if you are affected by the HICBC, it is often worth claiming Child Benefit and paying the charge, because claiming ensures your child gets a National Insurance number at 16 and protects your State Pension record if you are not working. You can also choose to receive the payments and complete a Self Assessment tax return, or opt out of receiving payments while still protecting your NI record.
Child Benefit Rates 2026/27
Eligibility
- You are responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if in approved education/training)
- You live in the UK
- There is no income limit for claiming, but HICBC applies if you or your partner earn over £60,000
How to Claim
Claim online at gov.uk/child-benefit or by post using form CH2. You should claim as soon as possible after the birth or when a child comes to live with you, as it can only be backdated by 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the High Income Child Benefit Charge?▾
If you or your partner earn more than £60,000 a year, you will need to pay back some or all of your Child Benefit through a tax charge. The charge is 1% of the total Child Benefit for every £200 of income above £60,000. If either of you earns over £80,000, the charge equals the full amount of Child Benefit received. You report and pay this via a Self Assessment tax return.
How much Child Benefit will I get per year?▾
For one child, you receive £27.05 per week (approximately £1,406.60 per year). For each additional child, you receive £17.90 per week (approximately £930.80 per year). So a family with two children would receive around £2,337.40 per year before any HICBC reduction.
Should I claim Child Benefit even if I earn over £60,000?▾
Yes, it is usually advisable to claim. Claiming Child Benefit protects your State Pension if you are not working or earning below the National Insurance threshold, and ensures your child automatically receives a National Insurance number at 16. You can choose not to receive the payments to avoid the HICBC, while still getting these protections.