How to Claim Child Benefit (And Why You Should Even If You Earn Over £60k)

Child benefit is one of the most misunderstood benefits in the UK. Many high-earning parents don't claim it because they'll have to pay it back through the High Income Child Benefit Charge. But this is a mistake that could cost you thousands in State Pension entitlement.

This guide explains exactly how to claim, what the high earner rules really mean, and why the National Insurance credits make it worthwhile for everyone.

How Much Is Child Benefit Worth?
How to Claim Child Benefit
The High Income Child Benefit Charge
Why High Earners Should Still Claim
FAQ
Next Steps

How Much Is Child Benefit Worth? {#how-much}

Child benefit rates for 2025/26 tax year:

Example for a family with two children:

First child: £1,331.20
Second child: £881.40
Total: £2,212.60 per year

Child benefit is paid every 4 weeks, usually on a Monday or Tuesday. It continues until:

Your child turns 16, or
Your child turns 20 if they stay in approved education or training

How to Claim Child Benefit {#how-to-claim}

You can claim child benefit as soon as your baby is born. There are two ways to apply.

Option 1: Apply Online (Recommended)

This is the fastest method. You'll need:

Your child's birth certificate details
Your National Insurance number
Bank account details for payment

Time needed: 20 minutes

Go to gov.uk/child-benefit and follow the prompts.

Option 2: Apply by Post

Download form CH2 from gov.uk or request one by calling the Child Benefit Office on 0300 200 3100.

You'll need to send:

Completed CH2 form
Your child's original birth certificate (it will be returned)

Processing time: 6-8 weeks

Important Deadline: Claim Within 3 Months

You can backdate a child benefit claim for up to 3 months only. If you claim later, you lose those payments forever.

Example: If your baby was born on 1 January and you claim on 1 May, you lose one month of payments because you're outside the 3-month backdating window.

The High Income Child Benefit Charge {#high-income-charge}

Here's where it gets complicated. If you or your partner has individual income over £60,000, you'll pay back some or all of the child benefit through the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).

How the Charge Works

The charge is based on the higher earner's income, not household income.

Calculation example:

Income: £70,000 (£10,000 over threshold)

£10,000 ÷ £200 = 50% charge
Child benefit received: £1,331.20
Charge payable: £665.60
Net benefit: £665.60

Self Assessment Requirement

If you're liable for the HICBC, you must:

Register for Self Assessment (if not already)
Complete a tax return each year
Pay the charge by 31 January

Important: Registration deadline is 5 October after the tax year ends. Miss this and you'll face penalties.

Why High Earners Should Still Claim {#why-claim}

Even if you earn over £80,000 and would pay back 100% of the benefit, you should still claim. Here's why.

National Insurance Credits

The parent who claims child benefit automatically receives Class 3 National Insurance credits. These credits:

Count towards your State Pension qualifying years
Are worth approximately £328 per year in State Pension
Add up to £5,900+ over 18 years of retirement

How NI Credits Work

To qualify for the full new State Pension, you need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions. If you:

Take time off work for childcare
Work part-time below the NI threshold
Are a stay-at-home parent

...you might not be building pension entitlement. Child benefit NI credits fill those gaps.

The Opt-Out Option

If you don't want to deal with Self Assessment, you can:

Claim child benefit
Tick the box to not receive payments
Still get the NI credits

This gives you the pension benefits without the tax complications.

When NI Credits Transfer

If both parents work and earn above the NI threshold, the parent claiming child benefit can transfer their NI credits to:

A partner who isn't working
A grandparent who provides childcare

This is done using form CA9176 from HMRC.

Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming

Frequently Asked Questions {#frequently-asked-questions}

Key Takeaways

Claim immediately: Don't wait. You can only backdate 3 months.
High earners should still claim: The NI credits are worth thousands over time.
Opt-out option exists: Get NI credits without receiving payments or filing Self Assessment.
One parent claims: Decide who strategically based on income and pension position.
Report changes: Circumstances changing? Tell HMRC to avoid overpayments and penalties.

Next Steps {#next-steps}

Last updated: January 2026. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Tax rules and benefit rates are subject to change.

How to Claim Child Benefit UK (Even If You Earn Over £60k)