Answers · UK 2025/26

Can I claim Marriage Allowance and Child Benefit together?

Yes. Marriage Allowance and Child Benefit are entirely separate. You can claim both as long as one spouse earns under £12,570 (to transfer Marriage Allowance) and the higher earner stays under £60,000 to avoid the High Income Child Benefit Charge.

Last updated: 16 May 2026Last reviewed: 16 May 2026How we verify

Full answer

Marriage Allowance lets a non-taxpayer transfer 10% (£1,260) of their Personal Allowance to a basic-rate spouse, saving up to £252 in tax (2025/26). The receiving partner must be a basic-rate taxpayer (£12,571–£50,270 in England/Wales/NI, or £12,571–£43,662 Scottish starter/basic/intermediate). Child Benefit is paid for every eligible child regardless of income — but the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) recovers it through Self Assessment from the higher earner once adjusted net income exceeds £60,000. The two reliefs interact only via the higher-earner cap: if claiming Marriage Allowance pushes the receiving spouse from basic to higher rate, Marriage Allowance is withdrawn. Worked example: husband earns £45,000, wife £8,000, two children (Child Benefit £2,251.60). Wife transfers £1,260 of allowance, saving £252 tax for the husband. No HICBC because £45,000 < £60,000. Family is £252 + £2,251.60 = £2,503.60 better off. If the husband earned £62,000 instead, HICBC charges £225.16 (1% × 10 × £2,251.60), Marriage Allowance still applies because £62,000 < £50,270 + £1,260? No — the husband is now a higher-rate payer, so Marriage Allowance is withdrawn. The non-claiming spouse can backdate Marriage Allowance up to four tax years if they remain eligible throughout.