Answers · UK 2025/26
How many children can I claim Child Benefit for in 2026/27?
You can claim Child Benefit for all eligible children -- there is no cap on the number of children. The two-child limit applies only to the Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit child element (not Child Benefit). In 2026/27 the rate is £26.05/week for the eldest and £17.25/week for each additional child.
Full answer
Child Benefit is paid for each qualifying child under 16 (or under 20 if in approved education or training). Crucially, there is no two-child limit on Child Benefit itself -- the restriction on claiming for a third or subsequent child applies only to the child element of Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit. **2026/27 rates** - Eldest (or only) qualifying child: £26.05 per week. - Each additional qualifying child: £17.25 per week. For example, 3 children = £26.05 + £17.25 + £17.25 = £60.55/week = approximately £3,149/year. **High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC)** If you or your partner have individual adjusted net income above £60,000, you must pay back some or all of the benefit through the HICBC. From April 2024 the threshold was raised from £50,000 to £60,000: - The charge is 1% of Child Benefit for every £200 of income between £60,000 and £80,000. - Above £80,000, the charge equals 100% of Child Benefit received (effectively nil benefit). The HICBC is based on individual income, not household income. Two earners each on £59,999 can both receive Child Benefit with no charge; one earner on £80,000 loses it all. **Why claim even if you pay it back?** - Claiming protects your NI record if you are not working (Home Responsibilities Protection / NI credits for those caring for children under 12). - Your child automatically receives a National Insurance number at 16. - Entitlement to other linked benefits may depend on claiming. **How to claim** Claim online at gov.uk/child-benefit or by completing form CH2. Claims should be made within 3 months of the birth or qualifying event -- HMRC can backdate by 3 months only. **Universal Credit two-child limit (separate rule)** For UC claims from 2017, the child element is payable for only the first two children. Exceptions apply for multiple births, children conceived through rape, and children adopted from care. This does not affect Child Benefit.
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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.