Child Benefit

What it is about

Child Benefit is a regular payment from the government to help with the cost of raising a child. You can claim it for each child you're responsible for, whether or not you're working.

What is involved

You claim once per child, and the payment continues automatically after that. There is nothing to renew each year until your child turns 16.

When your child turns 16

Your Child Benefit automatically stops on 31 August on or after your child's 16th birthday. To keep receiving it, you must actively tell HMRC that they are staying in "approved" education or training (e.g., A-levels, T-levels, or Scottish Highers).

• If they are, you can continue receiving the benefit until they turn 20.
• If they leave education, or start an apprenticeship, a degree, or an employer-sponsored course, the benefit stops.

The High Income Tax Charge

If you or your partner earns over £60,000 a year, you are subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge.

• You still get the benefit, but part of it is clawed back through a tax charge.
• Once your income reaches £80,000 or more, the tax charge takes back 100% of the benefit.

Timeframes

Child Benefit can be backdated for up to 3 months from the date you make the claim.

If you wait any longer than 3 months, you lose the payments for the months before your claim. That's why myBabySteps reminds you to claim around 3 months after your child's birth. Claiming any later starts costing you money you are entitled to.

What you benefit from

The current weekly rates are:

• £27.05 for your eldest or only eligible child.
• £17.90 for each additional child.

Note for blended families: The higher rate applies to the eldest eligible child in the household, which is not necessarily your own first-born child.