Does my child qualify for Child Benefit?

Child Benefit is paid to the person caring for a child under 16 (or under 20 in approved education or training). It's £26.05 a week for the first child. If you or your partner earn over £60,000 a year you may have to pay some back as the High Income Child Benefit Charge — but it's still usually worth claiming.

Last reviewed as part of the UKRoute answer bank — always check the official links below before acting.

1. 1

   Check eligibility for each child (your child must normally live with you).

2. 2

   Claim online on GOV.UK — you can backdate up to 3 months.

3. 3

   Have your child's birth certificate and a joint-bank-account alternative if you don't have a NI number yet.

4. 4

   Decide who claims (only one person can claim per child) and keep your NI number handy, as it's needed to claim.