Child Benefit Calculator (2025/26)
How it works
Child Benefit is paid to the parent who claims (usually the main carer). For 2025/26 it's £26.05/week for the first child and £17.25/week for each subsequent child.
If you or your partner has 'adjusted net income' over £60,000, the High Income Child Benefit Charge takes 1% of the benefit back for every £200 above £60k. At £80k, the entire benefit is clawed back through your tax code or Self Assessment.
Worked example
Sam earns £70,000 and has 2 children.
- Weekly: £26.05 + £17.25 = £43.30 → £2,251.60/year
- HICBC: (£70k - £60k) / £200 = 50%
- Clawback: £1,125.80
- Net benefit: £1,125.80/year
Who should use this
- •Parents and guardians of under-16s (or under-20s in approved education)
- •High earners deciding whether to keep claiming
- •Stay-at-home parents claiming for NI credits
Common mistakes
- ×Not claiming because of HICBC — you lose NI credits towards State Pension
- ×Forgetting to tell HMRC when income crosses £60k
- ×Using gross salary instead of 'adjusted net income' (after pension and Gift Aid)
- ×Letting your partner's income trigger HICBC without realising
Frequently asked questions
Should I still claim if I'll have to pay it back?▾
Yes — claim but tick 'I don't want to be paid'. You still get NI credits and your child gets a NI number at 16.
Whose income counts for HICBC?▾
Whichever partner has the higher adjusted net income, even if they're not the one claiming the benefit.
Can I reduce HICBC?▾
Yes — pension contributions, salary sacrifice and Gift Aid donations all reduce adjusted net income.
When does Child Benefit stop?▾
When the child turns 16, unless they stay in approved education or training (then up to age 20).
How is Child Benefit paid?▾
Every 4 weeks into a bank account, or weekly if you're a single parent or on certain benefits.