UK Child Benefit Eligibility and Rates

Child Benefit is a tax-free payment for those responsible for children under 16 (or under 20 if in approved education/training).

Eligibility

• You must be the child’s parent, step-parent, adoptive parent, or guardian.
• You must live with the child in the UK at least 80% of the time.

Weekly Rates (2024/25)

• First child: £21.15
• Each subsequent child: £14.40

How to Claim

Online via Government Gateway or by post using form CH2. You’ll need the child’s birth/adoption certificate, passport, National Insurance number, and proof of income/address.

Report changes (child turns 16, move abroad, income change) to the Child Benefit Office.