Understanding child benefit: a step-by-step guide for UK families

Child Benefit is an important financial support system for families in the United Kingdom. It helps parents and guardians with the costs of raising children by providing regular payments.
In this guide, you will be able to learn more about what is child benefit, some of the requirements for those who are eligible to apply, the amount of child benefit that any individual can receive depending on the presence of the child in the family and steps on how you can apply.
We will also cover when the payments stop and what to do if your family situation changes. Whether you are for first-time parent or you have several children, information on child benefits will assist you in one way or the other on how to handle your family’s budget.
What is child benefit?
Child Benefit is another financial initiative of the government of the United Kingdom aimed at supporting the parents/ guardians of children.
It is a non-means-tested payment, meaning that it is available to all families regardless of their income or savings.
The benefit is designed to offer some financial aid to families with children and is regulated by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Child Benefit is for the person who looks after the child, this may be a parent, guardian, or person taking care of the child.
For the children is accessible where some of them are below the age of 16 years, and those that are below 20 years and in approved education or training.
That is why it plays the role of an important financial supply to many families meeting their daily needs like feeding, clothing, and educational expenses.
It is usually payable on a four-weekly basis but some families can get weekly payments including lone parents and those claiming some benefits including universal credits.
This flexibility assists the families to afford the educational system depending on their ability and the kind of system they are in.
Who is eligible for child benefit?
Eligibility for Child Benefit in the UK is straightforward. You can claim Child Benefit if you are responsible for bringing up a child who meets the following criteria:
- The child is under 16 years old.
- The child is under 20 years old and is in approved education or training.
Only one person can claim Child Benefits for each child, but there is no limit to the number of children for whom you can claim.
This means that families with multiple children can receive benefits for each qualifying child.
It’s important to note that if you or your partner earn over £60,000 a year, you may have to pay a tax charge known as the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).
This charge reduces the amount of Child Benefit you receive, and if your income exceeds £80,000, you will not receive any Child Benefit at all.
How much is child benefit?
As of April 2024, the rates for Child Benefit are as follows:
Child Status | Weekly Rate |
Eldest or only child | £25.60 |
Additional children | £16.95 |
This means that families that have one child receive £25.60 per week. Family units with more than one child are £16.95 additional per child.
They are generally made at a nominated bank account and such payments are made on a four-weekly basis.
Depending on the circumstances, such as if a person is a single parent or receiving particular benefits, then payments may be made weekly.
These rates are rebased from time to time to fit inflationary trends and the cost of living to ensure that families continue to benefit from the stipends.
How much is child benefit per child in the UK?
The amount of Child Benefit you receive depends on the number of children you have:
- For the first child, you receive £25.60 per week.
- For each additional child, you receive £16.95 per week.
This structure enables families with more than one child to get a higher total amount of reimbursement.
This helps them to fund the cost which is incurred in raising more than one child.
How do you apply for child benefit?
It is quite easy to benefit online. It is optional for parents to start claiming child benefit as soon as the child is born or when they move in with you.
Here are the steps to apply:
Register the birth:
Child benefit can be claimed 48 hrs after registering your child’s birth.
Gather required documents:
You will need:
- The original birth or adoption certificate of the child.
- Your bank or building society details: The contact details of the bank or the building society where you have an account with them.
- Your National Insurance: (NI) number that refers to the Tax Office of Great Britain.
- National Insurance number of your partner, if any.
Submit your claim:
It is possible to apply online, by post and by phone. Where the application is done later than the birth or arrival of the child, one may also claim back to up to three months.
Receive your payments:
After your application has been sorted, you will be paid according to the schedule as provided in the agreements.
There should be ways in which the information could be updated especially when there are alterations in one’s family status.
When does child benefit stop?
Child Benefit payments continue until the child turns 16 years old. If the child is in approved education or training, payments can continue until they turn 20.
However, if the child leaves education or training before this age, the payments will stop.
If your family circumstances change, such as a separation or a new partner moving in, you must inform HMRC to ensure that the correct amount is being paid and to avoid any overpayments.
What happens if your family circumstances change?
Changes in family circumstances can affect your Child Benefit. Here are some common scenarios:
If you Split up:
If you and your partner separate, each parent can claim Child Benefit for the children living with them.
The payment amount remains the same: £25.60 for the eldest child and £16.95 for additional children.
If you move in with a partner:
If you move in with a partner who also claims Child Benefit, only one of you can claim the higher rate for the eldest child.
You can still claim for additional children at the lower rate.
If your child’s situation changes:
If your child stops being in approved education or training before the age of 20, your Child Benefit will stop.
In all cases, it is crucial to report any changes to HMRC to ensure compliance and avoid any potential penalties or overpayments.
Final words
Child Benefit is a valuable support for families in the UK. It helps with the costs of raising children.
Knowing how to apply and what to expect is important. If your family situation changes, make sure to inform HMRC.
This way, you can continue to receive the right support. Child Benefit can make a big difference in managing your family’s finances.
Enjoyed this article? Then also read – Carer’s Allowance: a guide for carers in the United Kingdom