Child Benefit Calculator
Work out your Child Benefit for 2025/26 — £26.05 for your eldest child and £17.25 for each other child — and see how the High Income Child Benefit Charge affects higher earners.
Child Benefit calculator
2025/26 rates, with High Income Charge.
The High Income Charge is collected via Self Assessment. Details on GOV.UK.
How much is Child Benefit in 2025/26?
Child Benefit is a payment from HMRC to help with the cost of raising children. For 2025/26 it is worth £26.05 a week for your eldest or only child, and £17.25 a week for each additional child. It's normally paid every four weeks and there's no limit on the number of children you can claim for.
One child: £26.05/week ≈ £1,354.60 a year. Two children: £26.05 + £17.25 = £43.30/week ≈ £2,251.60 a year. Higher earners may have to repay some or all of it through the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
Child Benefit rates 2025/26
| Child | Weekly rate | Annual (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Eldest / only child | £26.05 | £1,354.60 |
| Each additional child | £17.25 | £897.00 |
The High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC)
If you or your partner has an adjusted net income above £60,000, you start to repay Child Benefit through the High Income Child Benefit Charge. The charge is 1% of your Child Benefit for every £200 of income above £60,000, so by £80,000 the charge equals 100% of the benefit — you effectively keep none of it.
Importantly, the charge is based on the higher earner's income, not the household total. A couple each earning £55,000 (household £110,000) pays no charge, while a single earner on £75,000 does. Our calculator applies the £60,000–£80,000 taper for you.
Should you still claim? Even if the charge will claw back the full amount, it's often worth claiming Child Benefit (or registering and opting out of payments) because it protects your National Insurance credits toward the State Pension and gives your child a National Insurance number automatically.
How the charge is paid
The High Income Charge is usually collected through Self Assessment: the higher earner registers, files a tax return, and the charge is added to their tax bill. From 2025 HMRC is introducing an option to pay it through PAYE for some taxpayers. Full details are on GOV.UK.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Child Benefit per week in 2025/26?
£26.05 a week for your eldest or only child, and £17.25 a week for each additional child. It's usually paid every four weeks.
What is the High Income Child Benefit Charge?
If you or your partner earns over £60,000 adjusted net income, you repay 1% of your Child Benefit for every £200 above £60,000. At £80,000 the charge equals 100% of the benefit.
Is Child Benefit based on household or individual income?
The High Income Charge is based on the highest individual earner's income, not the household total. Two earners each on £55,000 pay no charge.
Should I still claim Child Benefit if I'm a high earner?
Often yes. Even if you'll repay it all, claiming protects your National Insurance credits toward the State Pension and gives your child a National Insurance number. You can claim but opt out of payments.
How do I pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge?
It's usually collected through Self Assessment — the higher earner files a tax return and the charge is added to their bill. HMRC is rolling out a PAYE option for some taxpayers.