Child Benefit Calculator
Child Benefit is a regular HMRC payment to anyone responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 in approved education). In 2026/27, the eldest child receives £27.05 per week and each additional child £17.90 per week.
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A common source of confusion is the payment frequency — HMRC pays every 4 weeks, not monthly, so you receive 13 payments a year. This can catch people out when budgeting, especially if they expect a payment every calendar month.
Unlike Universal Credit, Child Benefit has always been payable for every qualifying child — it was never subject to the two-child limit (which was scrapped in April 2026 for UC and Child Tax Credit). If either parent earns over £60,000, the High Income Child Benefit Charge may apply. However, even in that case, it's worth registering to protect National Insurance credits for the lower-earning parent. Enter your number of children below to see exactly how much you'll receive.
Your Details
Under 16, or under 20 if in approved education/training
Assumes current rates stay the same (max 18 years)
Per-Child Rates (2026/27)
Child Benefit Amount
How HMRC typically pays
Note: If you or your partner earns over £50,000, some or all of this benefit may need to be repaid via the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
What this means for your family budget
Child Benefit is paid every 4 weeks (so 13 payments a year, not 12). For one child that's around £1,407 a year, rising by ~£931 for every additional child. Worth claiming even if you opt out of payments — registering protects your National Insurance credits for State Pension if you're not working.
If either parent earns over £60,000, the High Income Child Benefit Charge starts clawing it back, and at £80,000+ it's fully wiped out. Run your salary through the HICBC Calculator to see whether to keep claiming, opt out of payments, or use pension contributions to bring your income back below the threshold.
On a lower household income you may also qualify for means-tested support on top — the two-child limit was removed in April 2026, so try our universal credit calculator to see the child elements you could claim for every child.
How Child Benefit Works
Child Benefit is a tax-free payment from HMRC to help with the cost of raising children. It's available to anyone responsible for a qualifying child, regardless of income — although higher earners may need to repay some or all of it through the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
The benefit is split into two tiers: a higher weekly rate for your eldest (or only) child and a lower rate for each additional child. Payments are normally made every 4 weeks, which means you receive 13 payments per year rather than 12 monthly ones.
Common Mistakes
- Not claiming at all — Even if you'd face the HICBC, registering protects NI credits for the stay-at-home parent's State Pension.
- Confusing 4-weekly with monthly — Payments arrive every 4 weeks (13 times a year), not once a month. Budget accordingly.
- Forgetting to update HMRC — If a child leaves education, moves out, or you start a new relationship, you must report it. Overpayments will be clawed back.
- Assuming it covers university — Child Benefit stops when a child starts higher education (university). It only continues during approved non-advanced courses like A-levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
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