Understanding Child Benefit
Child Benefit is a regular payment from the UK government designed to help families with the cost of raising children. Its main purpose is to provide financial support to parents or guardians responsible for bringing up a child under 16, or under 20 if the child stays in approved education or training. This benefit is not means-tested, which means most families can claim it regardless of their income or savings, although there may be tax implications for higher earners.
Child Benefit is intended to help anyone who is responsible for a child, whether you are a parent, step-parent, grandparent, or another guardian. The key is that you must be living with the child or be mainly responsible for their care. Only one person can claim Child Benefit for a child, so if you share care with someone else, you’ll need to decide who should make the claim.
Before applying, it is important to check if you meet the eligibility criteria. Factors such as your relationship to the child, your residency status in the UK, and the child’s age and education status all play a role in determining entitlement. For example, you usually need to be living in the UK and have a right to reside here. There are also special rules if you or your partner earn over £50,000 a year, as you may need to pay a High Income Child Benefit Charge.
Understanding the rules and conditions can help you avoid delays or issues with your application. For a full overview of who can claim, what counts as a qualifying child, and how the benefit works, see our main guide to Child Benefit. This will help you make informed decisions and ensure you get the support you are entitled to.
Who Can Claim Child Benefit?
To claim Child Benefit in the UK, you must meet certain criteria relating to your relationship with the child, the child’s age and circumstances, and both your and the child’s residency status. Below, we explain who can claim, who counts as a ‘qualifying child’, and the key conditions you need to know.
Who can claim Child Benefit?
You can claim Child Benefit if you are responsible for a child. This typically means you are:
The child’s parent (biological or adoptive)
A step-parent
A guardian with legal responsibility
A foster carer officially placed by a local authority
Responsibility usually involves the child living with you or you contributing to their upkeep. In some cases, more than one person may be eligible, but only one household can receive Child Benefit for a particular child at any one time. If there is a dispute, HMRC will decide who receives the payment based on who has the greater responsibility.
To find out more about who can claim and see examples of responsibility, visit the official guidance on qualifying child.
Who is a ‘qualifying child’?
A ‘qualifying child’ is one who meets the following criteria:
They are under 16 years old, or
They are aged 16, 17 or 18 and in approved education or training (such as A-levels, NVQs up to Level 3, or certain apprenticeships), or
They are under 20 and still in approved education or training that started before they turned 19
If your child leaves approved education or training after turning 16, your Child Benefit payments will usually stop at the end of February, May, August or November, whichever comes first after they leave.
For more detailed rules and examples, see the government’s page on qualifying child.
Age limits and conditions
Child Benefit is paid for each ‘qualifying child’ until:
The child turns 16, unless they stay in approved education or training
The child turns 20, but only if they remain in approved education or training
Children who start working more than 24 hours a week, or begin an apprenticeship that pays more than the government-approved minimum, may no longer qualify.
Residency requirements
Both the person claiming and the child must normally live in the UK to qualify for Child Benefit. The UK includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. There are some exceptions for families of Crown servants posted abroad, or if you are from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and meet specific criteria.
You must have the right to reside and be ‘habitually resident’ in the UK. If you or your child move abroad, your entitlement may change, so it’s important to notify HMRC of any changes in your circumstances.
For the full legal framework governing these rules, you can refer to the Child Benefit Act 1975.
For a complete overview of the rules and to check your circumstances, see our page on Child Benefit eligibility criteria.
Qualifying Child Criteria
A child must meet certain criteria to be considered a “qualifying child” for Child Benefit purposes in the UK. Understanding these rules is important before making a claim, as eligibility depends on both the child’s age and their circumstances.
Age Limits
Generally, you can claim Child Benefit for any child who is under 16 years old. However, the rules are more flexible if your child continues their education or training after turning 16. You may still be eligible if your child is under 20 and enrolled in approved education or training. Approved education typically includes A-levels, Scottish Highers, NVQs up to Level 3, and certain other full-time courses. Training programmes must be government-approved and not paid employment.
For the most up-to-date and detailed age criteria, see the official guidance on under 16, or under 20 if in approved education or training.
What Counts as a Qualifying Child?
To qualify, the child must usually:
Be living with you, or you must be responsible for them (this includes adopted children, stepchildren, and foster children in some cases).
Not be married or in a civil partnership (unless they are not living with their partner).
Not be claiming certain benefits in their own right, such as Universal Credit or Income Support.
Special Circumstances and Exceptions
There are special rules for children with disabilities or additional needs. If your child receives Disability Living Allowance (DLA), this can affect your entitlement and may provide additional support. DLA is available for children under 16 who have care or mobility needs due to a disability or health condition. For guidance on how DLA interacts with Child Benefit, and advice on making a claim, visit the Citizens Advice page on Disability Living Allowance.
If your child turns 16 but stays in approved education or training, you must inform HMRC to continue receiving Child Benefit. Similarly, if your child leaves education or starts paid work, you need to update your claim, as payments may stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child has a disability?
You can still claim Child Benefit, and you may also be eligible for Disability Living Allowance for your child. This can provide extra financial support and may affect other benefits you receive.
Can I claim for a foster child?
Yes, in some cases. If you are responsible for a foster child and the local authority is not paying you a fostering allowance for them, you may be able to claim Child Benefit.
What happens if my child leaves education before 20?
Your Child Benefit will stop at the end of February, May, August, or November (whichever comes first after your child leaves education or training).
For more comprehensive information about who qualifies as a child and the full eligibility rules, refer to the government’s official guidelines on under 16, or under 20 if in approved education or training.
If you need additional support for a child with disabilities, the Citizens Advice page on Disability Living Allowance offers practical advice and help with claims.
Residency and Nationality Requirements
Residency and Nationality Requirements
To qualify for Child Benefit in the UK, both your residency and that of the child you are claiming for are important factors. Here’s what you need to know about these requirements and how they might affect your entitlement.
Who is Considered as Living in the UK?
You can usually claim Child Benefit if you are ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK. This means the UK is your main home, and you normally live here. The UK includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but not the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. Even if you travel abroad for short periods, you may still be considered resident, provided your main home remains in the UK.
For more details on who counts as living in the UK, see the UK residency guidance on GOV.UK.
Residency Rules for Claimants and Children
Both the person making the claim and the child must generally be living in the UK. You will need to provide a UK address and, in most cases, evidence that you and the child are present and settled in the country.
There are some exceptions for families of certain Crown servants or members of the armed forces serving abroad, but most applicants must show that they and their child are habitually resident in the UK.
Impact of Immigration Status
Your immigration status can affect your eligibility for Child Benefit. If you are subject to immigration control – meaning your right to live in the UK is restricted – you may not be able to claim Child Benefit, unless you meet specific exceptions. For instance, some people with refugee status or humanitarian protection are allowed to claim.
The legal basis for these rules is set out in the Immigration Act 1971, which outlines who is subject to immigration control and what restrictions may apply.
If you have ‘no recourse to public funds’ as part of your visa conditions, you are usually not eligible for Child Benefit. However, it is important to check your specific circumstances, as some exceptions may apply.
Temporary Absence from the UK
If you or your child are temporarily away from the UK, you may still be able to receive Child Benefit in certain situations. For example, if you are abroad for less than 8 weeks (such as a family holiday), your entitlement is usually unaffected. Longer absences, such as living or working abroad, could affect your eligibility, unless you fall under specific categories like government employment overseas.
For a full explanation of these rules and how they might apply to your situation, visit the UK residency page on GOV.UK.
Understanding these residency and nationality requirements is essential before making a claim. If you are unsure about your status or your child’s eligibility, it is a good idea to review the official guidance or seek further advice.
Conditions That May Affect Eligibility
Conditions That May Affect Eligibility
When claiming Child Benefit in the UK, it’s important to be aware of certain conditions that can affect your entitlement or the amount you receive. Below, we explain the main factors to consider, including how your income, other benefits, and certain circumstances might impact your Child Benefit payments.
High Income Child Benefit Charge
If you or your partner has an individual income over £50,000 per year, you may be affected by the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). This charge means that some or all of your Child Benefit may be paid back through the tax system, depending on your income level. The charge increases gradually, so the higher your income above £50,000, the more you’ll need to pay back. If your income reaches £60,000 or above, the charge will equal the total amount of Child Benefit, effectively cancelling out the payment.
For a detailed explanation of how this works and who it affects, you can read the High Income Child Benefit Charge briefing from the House of Commons Library.
When Child Benefit May Be Stopped or Reduced
There are several situations where your Child Benefit could be stopped or reduced. These include:
No longer being responsible for the child: If your child leaves full-time education or training before the age of 20, or if they start paid work for more than 24 hours a week, your entitlement may end.
Changes in residency: If you or your child move abroad, your eligibility could change depending on your new circumstances and the country you move to.
Shared care arrangements: If a child lives with someone else for most of the time, only one person can claim Child Benefit for them. Disputes over who should receive the benefit can sometimes lead to payments being stopped until the issue is resolved.
Failure to report changes: It’s important to tell HMRC about any changes in your family situation, income, or your child’s circumstances. Failing to do so may result in overpayments, which you would have to pay back, or your benefit being stopped.
If your Child Benefit claim is refused or stopped and you believe this is incorrect, you have the right to challenge the decision. Find out more about appealing a Child Benefit decision.
Effect of Other Benefits or Support
Receiving other benefits or financial support can also affect your eligibility for Child Benefit, although in most cases you can still claim it alongside other benefits. However, certain means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit, may take your Child Benefit into account when calculating your total household income.
For example, if you claim Universal Credit, the official regulations set out how Child Benefit is treated when assessing your entitlement. While Child Benefit itself is not counted as income for Universal Credit, changes in your family’s circumstances could affect your overall benefits package.
It’s always a good idea to check how claiming Child Benefit might interact with any other support you receive, and to keep HMRC updated about any significant changes.
Understanding these conditions can help you avoid unexpected changes in your payments and ensure you receive the correct amount of Child Benefit. If you’re unsure about your situation, consider seeking advice or reviewing the official guidance for your specific circumstances.
How to Apply for Child Benefit
Applying for Child Benefit is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow each step carefully to avoid delays and ensure you receive the correct entitlement. Here’s what you need to know:
Step-by-Step Application Overview
Obtain a Child Benefit claim form
Most parents or guardians will need to complete the CH2 form to apply. You can get this form from the government’s website or by calling the Child Benefit helpline.Fill in the form with accurate details
You’ll need to provide information about yourself and the child or children you are claiming for. This includes your full name, address, National Insurance number, and your relationship to the child.Attach supporting documents
Usually, you must include your child’s original birth certificate or adoption certificate. If the child was born outside the UK, you may need to provide additional documents, such as a passport or immigration status papers.Send your application
Post your completed form and documents to the address given on the form. Remember to keep copies for your records.
Information and Documents You’ll Need
To complete your claim, you should have the following ready:
Your National Insurance number
Your bank or building society account details (where payments will be made)
The child’s birth or adoption certificate
Proof of your immigration status, if applicable
Details of any previous Child Benefit claims, if relevant
Providing all the required information and documents at the outset helps prevent delays.
Timeframes and What Happens Next
Once your application is received, it can take up to 12 weeks to process, or longer if extra information is needed. If you are a recent arrival to the UK or if there are complex circumstances, processing may take more time.
After your claim is processed, you’ll receive a letter confirming the outcome and the start date for your payments. Payments are usually made every four weeks, directly into your bank account.
It’s important to apply as soon as possible after your child’s birth or arrival in your care, as Child Benefit can normally only be backdated for up to three months.
For a more detailed walkthrough, including tips for specific situations and what to do if your circumstances change, see our application process for Child Benefit guide. This resource covers frequently asked questions and helps you avoid common mistakes when applying.
Additional Support for Families with Children
Families raising children in the UK may be entitled to a range of financial support beyond Child Benefit. While Child Benefit provides a regular payment to help with the cost of raising a child, it is just one part of the broader support system available to families.
For example, some families may also qualify for Housing Benefit, which can help with rent payments if you’re on a low income. This can be particularly helpful for parents who are managing household expenses while supporting their children. Eligibility for Housing Benefit depends on your income, savings, and individual circumstances, and it can be claimed alongside Child Benefit if you meet the criteria.
In addition to financial benefits, families may be entitled to leave from work when a child is born or adopted. Knowing your rights to maternity, paternity, and parental leave is important, as these protections allow parents to spend essential time with their new child without risking their employment.
There are also other forms of support designed to help families with children, including tax credits, Universal Credit, free school meals, and childcare support. For a comprehensive overview of what might be available to your family, visit our dedicated guide to help if you have children, which brings together information on a wide range of benefits and services.
Understanding how Child Benefit fits into these wider support systems can help you make the most of the assistance available. Each benefit has its own eligibility rules and application processes, so it’s worth exploring all your options to ensure your family receives the support it’s entitled to. If you’re unsure where to start, our linked resources provide practical guidance and step-by-step advice.
