Thousands of parents across the UK could be receiving regular payments of £173 or more each month through HM Revenue & Customs' Child Benefit scheme. The financial support provides crucial assistance to families responsible for raising children, though many may not fully understand their entitlement or how the system works.
Who Qualifies for Child Benefit Payments?
You can claim Child Benefit if you're responsible for a child under 16, or if they're under 20 and still in approved education or training. The scheme covers various educational paths including A-Levels, NVQs, and even home schooling – though it specifically excludes university degrees and BTEC qualifications.
The child must typically live with you, or you must contribute at least the equivalent of the Child Benefit payment toward their upkeep. The rules also extend to foster parents where the local council isn't covering accommodation or maintenance costs, adoptive parents, and those temporarily caring for a friend's or relative's child.
Understanding Payment Amounts and Structure
While headlines often mention £173 per month, the actual amount varies depending on your circumstances. For the 2024/25 tax year, HMRC provides £26.05 per week for your eldest child and £17.25 per week for each additional child.
This means a family with two children would receive £43.30 weekly, translating to approximately £173 monthly. There's no limit to how many children you can claim for, though only one person can claim Child Benefit per child, even if multiple adults share care responsibilities.
Payments arrive every four weeks, typically on a Monday or Tuesday, directly from HMRC.
The High Income Child Benefit Charge Consideration
Parents should be aware of the High Income Child Benefit Charge, which affects households where one partner earns over £60,000 annually during the 2024/25 tax year. This threshold triggers a gradual reduction in benefits, with complete repayment required for individuals earning £80,000 or more.
Despite this charge, experts still recommend claiming Child Benefit regardless of income levels, as doing so ensures you receive National Insurance credits that count toward your state pension and automatically registers your child for a National Insurance number at age 16.
