Child benefit claims on the rise - check if you qualify

The number of new child benefit claims rose in April after the government changed the rules on how much parents can earn and still be eligible for the payments.

According to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request made by the BBC, there were 86,656 new claims in April - a 16% increase on the previous month. The increase is being put down to recent changes to the criteria which have made it possible for more people to claim.

You can get child benefit if you're responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they're in approved education or training. Only one person per child can claim, and the payments are £25.60 a week for the eldest or only child, and £16.95 a week for younger kids.

However, the payments start getting reduced once a parent's income reaches a certain level - this is known as the high income child benefit charge (HICBC). Back in April, the income threshold for this went up from £50,000 to £60,000, and the level where the benefit is fully withdrawn increased from £60,000 to £80,000.

April saw the highest number of claims made in that period, and well above the next highest month.

What is child benefit?

Child benefit is a regular payment from the government to help with the costs of raising a child. It's paid monthly and is tax-free for most people. You can claim child benefit for each child you're responsible for, regardless of whether you're working or have savings.

Who is eligible for child benefit payments?

You can usually claim child benefit if:

• You're responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they're in approved education or training)
• You live in the UK

You'll normally qualify for child benefit if you live in the UK and your child lives with you. However, there are some exceptions, such as if your child goes to live with someone else or you move abroad.

How much is child benefit?

The amount of child benefit you receive depends on how many children you have and when they were born. As of April 2023, the weekly rates are:

• £24.00 for your eldest or only child
• £15.90 for each additional child

These payments are made every four weeks, usually on a Monday or Tuesday.

Applying for child benefit

Use our free benefit checker to see if you’re entitled to child benefit.

To apply, you'll need to fill in a claim form (CH2) and send it to the child benefit office. You can get the form by:

• Ordering it online from the HMRC website
• Calling the child benefit helpline on 0300 200 3100

You should apply for child benefit as soon as your child is born or comes to live with you. If you apply late, you may only get payments from the date you apply.