How to Apply for Child Benefit in the UK
Child Benefit pays £26.05 a week for your eldest child and £17.25 for each additional child (2025/26 rates). Apply through your HMRCHM Revenue & Customs — The UK tax authority. It collects income tax, issues National Insurance numbers, and runs Self Assessment.Click for official info ↗ online account or form CH2 — and claim even if the high income charge applies, because claiming protects your State Pension record and your child gets an NI numberNational Insurance number — Your UK tax and social security number. You need it to work, pay tax, and claim benefits.Click for official info ↗ automatically at 16.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UK sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 5 steps
- Before You Go 10 min
Check eligibility
You can claim if you are responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 in approved education or training) and you live in the UK. There is no limit on the number of children — the two-child limit applies to Universal CreditUC — A monthly UK benefit that replaces six older benefits, for people on low income or out of work. Claimed through your online journal.Click for official info ↗, not to Child Benefit.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare 20 min
Apply online or by post
Fastest route: apply in your HMRCHM Revenue & Customs — The UK tax authority. It collects income tax, issues National Insurance numbers, and runs Self Assessment.Click for official info ↗ Personal Tax Account or the HMRCHM Revenue & Customs — The UK tax authority. It collects income tax, issues National Insurance numbers, and runs Self Assessment.Click for official info ↗ app. Otherwise, fill in form CH2 and post it with the birth certificate (HMRCHM Revenue & Customs — The UK tax authority. It collects income tax, issues National Insurance numbers, and runs Self Assessment.Click for official info ↗ returns it). Claims can be backdated up to 3 months — apply as soon as the child is born.
Click to mark as done
- Wait 2–4 weeks
Wait for the decision and first payment
HMRCHM Revenue & Customs — The UK tax authority. It collects income tax, issues National Insurance numbers, and runs Self Assessment.Click for official info ↗ usually processes claims within 2 weeks (up to 4 for postal claims). Payments go into your bank account every 4 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday (weekly payments possible for single parents or those on certain benefits).
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- Follow Up 15 min
Decide how to handle the high income charge
If you or your partner has "adjusted net income" above £60,000, the High Income Child Benefit Charge claws the benefit back (fully above £80,000). You can still claim and pay the charge via Self AssessmentUK Self Assessment tax return — The system for reporting income that is not taxed at source — self-employment, rent, foreign income — to HMRC by 31 January each year.Click for official info ↗, or opt out of payments — but claiming either way builds NI credits and triggers your child's NI numberNational Insurance number — Your UK tax and social security number. You need it to work, pay tax, and claim benefits.Click for official info ↗ at 16.
Click to mark as done
- Receive
Keep your details updated
Report changes in your bank details, address, or child's education through your online account. If your child stays in education past 16, you will get a letter in their final school year asking you to confirm it — reply or the payments stop in August.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
I earn over £80,000. Is there any point claiming?
Yes. Claiming gives you National Insurance credits toward your State Pension if you are not working, and HMRCHM Revenue & Customs — The UK tax authority. It collects income tax, issues National Insurance numbers, and runs Self Assessment.Click for official info ↗ automatically issues your child an NI numberNational Insurance number — Your UK tax and social security number. You need it to work, pay tax, and claim benefits.Click for official info ↗ shortly before their 16th birthday. You can opt out of receiving the payments and keep these protections without owing the charge.
We both work. Who should claim?
Only one person can receive Child Benefit per child. The higher earner is usually the one affected by the income charge, so the lower earner claiming (and receiving NI credits if not working) is often the better arrangement.
I am a new immigrant. Can I claim?
You can claim if you live in the UK and your immigration status allows access to public funds. Check your visa conditions — "no recourse to public funds" means claiming could affect your status. Irish citizens and those with settled status are generally eligible.
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