The money could be much more but you need to make a claim – here’s how to check
Today’s cost of living can leave many families struggling with their bills but some might be missing out on money that could help. Millions of parents are being reminded they could be entitled to a vital benefit worth more than £100 a month.
Tax officials have urged families to check they are not missing out on the regular payment. In a social media message, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) said: “Got a child under 16 (or under 20 in approved education/training)?
- Join over one million parents and carers who have claimed Child Benefit online!
- Up to £26.05 a week for your first child
- £17.25 for any additional children
- National Insurance credits towards your State Pension
How much you can get
There are two weekly rates of Child Benefit:
- £26.05 for the eldest or only child
- £17.25 per week for each additional child
Payments are usually made every four weeks and there is no limit to how many children you can claim for. However only one person can claim for each child.
More than just cash
HMRC is also stressing that Child Benefit is about more than the weekly payment. By claiming, parents can receive:
- National Insurance credits towards their State Pension if their child is under 12
- A National Insurance number automatically issued to their child shortly before they turn 16
Crucially, parents who are not working or who do not earn enough to pay National Insurance can avoid gaps in their NI record by claiming. Even families who choose to opt out of receiving payments – for example because of the High Income Child Benefit Charge – are urged to still make a claim in order to secure NI credits.
Who qualifies?
You can usually get Child Benefit if you are responsible for a child who is:
- Under 16, or
- Under 20 if they remain in approved education or training
You must normally live in the UK and live with the child or contribute at least the equivalent of the Child Benefit amount towards their upkeep. Payments can be backdated for up to three months.
What about high earners?
If either parent has an “adjusted net income” above the High Income Child Benefit Charge threshold of £60,000 a year, some or all of the benefit may need to be repaid through the tax system. If one partner’s income is £20,000 or more above the threshold (or £10,000 or more above the threshold before April 2024), the charge will equal the full amount of Child Benefit received – meaning there is no net gain from the payments.
However, even in these cases, families can opt out of payments. By claiming it can still protect valuable National Insurance credits even if you are not entitled to any money.
Family changes must be reported
HMRC warns parents must inform the Child Benefit Office if their circumstances change – such as:
- A family splitting up or forming a new household
- A child starting work for 24 hours or more a week and no longer being in approved education
- A child starting an apprenticeship in England
- A child beginning to claim certain benefits, such as Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit
If separated parents each have a child living with them, they can each receive the higher £26.05 weekly rate for the child in their household.
How to claim
Parents can claim Child Benefit 48 hours after registering a birth or once a child comes to live with them. Claims can be made online or via the HMRC app.
With the cost of raising children continuing to squeeze family budgets, HMRC’s message is clear: check your entitlement – and make sure you are not missing out on support worth hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds a year. More details can be found here.
