Child benefit in United Kingdom (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: Child Benefit is GBP 27.05 a week for the eldest child and GBP 17.90 for each other child. A tax charge applies when either partner earns over GBP 60,000.

RuleWhat applies
Amount of child benefitChild benefitAs shown by GOV.UK on 7 November 2026, Child Benefit is GBP 27.05 a week for the eldest or only child and GBP 17.90 a week for each additional child. [1]
Age limit for the childChild benefitYou normally qualify for a child under 16. You normally still qualify if the child is under 20 and stays in approved education or training. [2]
Residence conditionChild benefitYou normally qualify if you are responsible for a child under 16 and you live in the UK. [2]
Income testChild benefitThere is no income test at the claim stage, but a High Income Child Benefit Charge applies if either partner's adjusted net income is over GBP 60,000 (tax years from 2024 to 2025). You repay 1% of the benefit for every GBP 200 over GBP 60,000, and all of it at GBP 80,000. [3]
Where to claimChild benefitYou claim online through GOV.UK. Child Benefit is run by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which decides who gets it if two people cannot agree. [4]

Sources

  1. GOV.UK (HM Revenue and Customs): Child Benefit: What you'll get - GOV.UK (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. GOV.UK (HM Revenue and Customs): Child Benefit: Who can get Child Benefit - GOV.UK (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  3. GOV.UK (HM Revenue and Customs): High Income Child Benefit Charge: Overview - GOV.UK (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  4. GOV.UK (HM Revenue and Customs): Child Benefit: Make a claim - GOV.UK (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.