Child Benefit

The Child Benefit is a tax-exempt payment available for parents or guardians responsible for bringing up a child. You’re eligible to claim it if you bring up a child who’s either under 16 or under 20 and in education/training. It is important to note, however, that only one parent/guardian can claim the benefit per child, whether you are a married couple or single parents.

What counts as education/training?

See below a full list of HMRC’s approved education and training programmes:

• A levels, Pre-U, International Baccalaureate
• T levels
• Scottish Highers
• NVQs and other vocational qualifications up to level 3
• Home education – if it started before your child turned 16
• Home education – if your child has special needs
• Traineeships in England
• Foundation Apprenticeships or Traineeships in Wales
• Employability Fund programmes in Scotland
• United Youth Pilot (if started before 1 June 2017)
• PEACE IV Children and Young People 2.1
• Training for Success in Northern Ireland

How much is Child Benefit

The amount that you get is subject to change depending on the tax year. In the 2023/24 tax year, you can claim £24 a week for your first child, and £15.90 a week for each of your other children. You also get National Insurance credits that count towards your state pension.

But if you (or your partner) earn over £50,270 a year, you will need to pay some or even all of it back. Sound like a random figure? Well, £50,270 is the most you can earn before you’re taxed using the higher rate of Income Tax – 40%. This charge is called the High Income Child Benefit Charge.