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Raising a child in the UK? Claim Child Benefit, even if you don't want the money

Child Benefit is paid to the person responsible for bringing up a child under 16 (or under 20 in approved education or training) who lives in the UK. It is currently £27.05 a week for the eldest or only child and £17.90 for each additional child. Even if you choose not to receive payments, claiming gives you National Insurance credits towards your State Pension while your child is under 12, and means your child gets their National Insurance number automatically. Claims can only be backdated up to 3 months, so it pays to claim early.

Reviewed 09/11/2026 · Applies to: UK-wide

Who this helps

Parents and carers in the UK, including newcomers, who have a new baby, have a child coming to live with them, or have never claimed Child Benefit.

What to do

  1. Check you qualify: you normally need to be responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training) and live in the UK. Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.
  2. Check your immigration status first. People subject to immigration control, including those with a no recourse to public funds condition, are usually excluded, although HMRC lists some exceptions.
  3. Claim as soon as you can: you can claim 48 hours after registering a birth, or when a child comes to live with you. Claims can only be backdated up to 3 months.
  4. Have ready the child's birth or adoption certificate if you have it, your National Insurance number and your partner's if you have them, and your bank details.
  5. Claim online through the official Child Benefit service, or by post or phone if you cannot apply online.
  6. If either you or your partner has an individual income over £60,000, the High Income Child Benefit Charge may apply. You can choose not to be paid but still claim, so you keep the National Insurance credits.
  7. Claiming gives the claimant National Insurance credits towards their State Pension while the child is under 12, and your child gets their National Insurance number automatically before they turn 16.

Before you act

  • Eligibility depends on your circumstances and immigration status. Check the official guidance or get independent advice before you claim.
  • The High Income Child Benefit Charge is based on the higher individual income of you or your partner, not your combined household income.
  • Rates shown are those on the official rates page when checked on 9 November 2026 and can change.
  • This is general information, not financial or legal advice.

Take the next step

Continue to the provider’s website to check the latest details and use the service.

Check and claim Child Benefit (GOV.UK) ↗

Destination: www.gov.uk

Sources

MyAgumba explains the sources above. Eligibility and availability depend on your circumstances and the provider’s current rules.