Answers · UK 2025/26
Am I entitled to Child Benefit?
Yes if you are responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 in approved education) and live in the UK. There is no income test on eligibility, but the High Income Child Benefit Charge claws it back once an adult in the household earns over £60,000, tapering to zero at £80,000.
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Child Benefit for 2025/26 is £26.05/week (£1,354.60/year) for the eldest child and £17.25/week (£897/year) for each additional child. Claim within three months of birth/adoption — backdated up to three months only. Even if HICBC will claw it all back, claim and elect to receive zero payments: this still gives the non-working parent Class 3 NI credits toward State Pension up to the child's 12th birthday. HICBC: from 6 April 2024 the lower threshold rose to £60,000 adjusted net income (highest-earning adult), and Child Benefit is reduced by 1% for every £200 of income above £60,000, hitting 100% clawback at £80,000. Worked example: family with two children claims £2,251.60/year. Higher earner adjusted income £70,000 = halfway through taper, charge £1,125.80, net Benefit £1,125.80. Pension or charitable giving that reduces adjusted income below £60,000 keeps the full amount. Claim online via GOV.UK with a birth certificate. From April 2026 HMRC will move HICBC from Self Assessment into PAYE for most affected employees, simplifying admin. EU citizens: most need settled status to claim.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.