Child Benefit in 2026/27: weekly rates and the High Income charge
Published · 3 min read · Figures checked . UK rules and rates change, so check the official sources below before you act.
Child Benefit pays a weekly amount for each child you bring up. This guide sets out the 2026/27 rates, who can claim, how backdating works, and how the High Income Child Benefit Charge applies above £60,000.
Who can claim
You can get Child Benefit if you are responsible for bringing up a child who is under 16, or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training. Only one person can claim for each child, and there is no limit on how many children you can claim for.
The benefit is not means tested, so your income does not stop you claiming. Higher earners may have to pay some or all of it back through a tax charge, explained below.
The 2026/27 weekly rates
The rates below are for the 2026 to 2027 tax year, as published by GOV.UK and checked on 11 October 2026. The rates for 2025/26 are shown for comparison.
Payment is usually made every 4 weeks for each child. If you live with a partner, only one of you can claim at the higher rate for the eldest child in the household. If you both claim at that rate, you may have to pay some of the money back.
How to claim
You can claim online, by post or by phone. GOV.UK says you will need your child's birth or adoption certificate if you have it, your bank or building society details, your National Insurance number if you have one, and your partner's National Insurance number if you have a partner.
You can claim before you have the certificate, but it will take longer and you may be asked to send it later. Child Benefit can be backdated for up to 3 months from the date you make the claim.
The High Income Child Benefit Charge
The charge applies when someone in the household has income over £60,000 in a tax year starting from 2024 to 2025. Before that, the threshold was £50,000.
- You repay 1% of your Child Benefit for every £200 of income over £60,000.
- At an income of £80,000 or more, you repay all of it.
- If you and your partner are both over the threshold, the higher earner pays the charge.
As an illustration only, someone with income of £70,000 is £10,000 over the threshold. That is 50 steps of £200, so they would repay 50% of the Child Benefit paid in the year. Your own figure depends on your own income, so this is not a calculation for any one person.
GOV.UK says the charge can usually be paid through PAYE. If you have to file a Self Assessment tax return for another reason, such as self-employment or savings interest, the charge goes on that return. Self Assessment is also used if you are paying later than 31 January after the tax year ends.
Choosing not to receive the money
You can stop the payments. You stay registered, you do not pay the charge, and you still get National Insurance credits towards your State Pension. Your child also gets a National Insurance number. GOV.UK says that if you do not want the payments, you should still claim so that these things are kept.
Free guidance on benefits is available from Citizens Advice.
Check before you act
Rates, thresholds and rules change, and your situation may differ. Please confirm the details on the official pages linked below before making any decision.
Sources
For information only. See our disclaimer and editorial standards. Spotted an error? Tell us.
