Child Benefit In The UK - How Much, When And Who Gets What?

Contents

1. How much is Child Benefit in UK?
2. Does everyone receive Child Benefit in UK?
3. How much is Child Benefit in the UK 2020?
4. Is everyone entitled to Child Benefit?
5. How do I apply for child benefit?
6. Do you get Child Benefit if you earn over 50k?

The cost of raising a child is high and it’s set to get even higher! You’re probably wondering how on earth you can tighten your belt without damaging a few internal organs! Various elements that have led to the cost-of-living crisis: increasing inflation, soaring energy prices and the need to recover the economy following the pandemic to name just a few. Meanwhile, your last salary increase is a distant memory, meaning no extra cash in your pocket. 😖 But, as you face the ongoing challenge of how you’re going to budget each month, there’s one thing to be grateful for at least: child benefit payments. Read on to check you’re getting the right amount.  

How much is Child Benefit in UK?

Many people ask how much is child benefit. Well, from April 2022 child benefit stands at £21.80 each week for the oldest child and £14.45 each week for every child that follows. 

It is usually paid every four weeks on a Monday or a Tuesday. For any single parents or anyone receiving other benefits, it is also possible to be paid weekly to help with cash flow.

It will only be paid into one account.

Does everyone receive Child Benefit in UK?

The quick answer to this is yes. This is because child benefit, unlike other benefits, isn’t means tested. So, whether you’re a single parent, a widow or part of a blended family is largely irrelevant.

For blended families, the oldest child in the newly formed family will get the higher amount and the subsequent children will get the lower amount. You can’t both claim for two eldest children in a family that has joined to become a blended family. 

Watch out if you’re co-parent though ❗ Only one of you will be able to claim it. This may involve a certain amount of negotiation between you and your ex. If you have one child, it may mean a division of the amount one parent is entitled to. If you have subsequent children, it could be that you add child to child benefit and divide the amount fairly or that one child is registered with you and the other to your ex. You never know, your ex might be chilled and let you have the full amount! However you organise it, make sure your family apply for child benefit so you don’t miss out.

How much is Child Benefit in the UK 2020?

By way of comparison, child benefit from 2020 to 2021 was £21.05 for the oldest child each week and £13.95 each week for every child that followed. The small increase in the benefit from then until now doesn’t really correspond with the jump in costs, does it?

Is everyone entitled to Child Benefit?

As mentioned before, yes they do. But in some cases the child benefit charge will mean there’s no point in claiming it only to give it back.

Many people ask when does child benefit stop. Child benefit stops on 31 August on or after  your child reaches 16. At that time, the government will write to you. It may stop then, but if the child continues their education or training on an approved course, including the new T-levels, it can continue until they are 20. 😃

For any other specific eligibility question, check the government child benefit website here.

How do I apply for child benefit?

If you aren’t already claiming, you really should think about it. It could contribute towards making sure your kids have a healthy diet, pocket money, or those dreaded electricity costs. With the number of children living in poverty on the increase, it’s vital to claim everything you’re entitled to in order to make life just a little easier. Just follow the process below to claim child benefit now: 

Making a new claim:

Adding a child to an existing claim:

Remember to contact the child benefit office if there are any changes to your situation. For example, child benefit change of address, going abroad to live or your child changes their gender.

Do you get Child Benefit if you earn over 50k?

There’s only one thing to bear in mind regarding child benefit UK: when you fill in the child benefit form, if you or your partner earn more than £50,000 a year, the amount will be less. This is known as the high income Benefit charge (HICBC):

If you or your partner have an income of between £50,000 and £60,000 a year then the Child Benefit charge will be less than the value of the Child Benefit you receive. The charge is 1% of the Child Benefit you receive for each £100 of income you have over £50,000 a year. This means that an income of £55,000 would incur a charge of 50% of your Child Benefit.

For those who are lucky enough to earn over £60,000 a year 💰, the child benefit charge will be the same value as the child benefit amount you receive. In this instance, you may just choose to stop claiming it.

If your finances are complicated - and let’s face it, I’m sure we could all have benefited from a financial education at school! - then just use the child benefit calculator.

It’s worth stressing that this isn’t a combined salary of £50,000, but an individual one. That means that even if your partner earns over £50,000, they can still claim it.

Here are some more FAQs for higher earners.

So, now you’re clued up on child benefit, you’ll see there are other ways to make your money work for you at this challenging time: You could look into other benefits you might be able to claim like child tax credits. Or you may want to start thinking about putting a bit aside for Christmas to reduce the financial pressure during the festive period. You might even be trying to budget with school-age kids so you have one less thing to think about in the busy school year. You’re on a roll so why stop now? 💪