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Home / Tools / Child Benefit Calculator

Child Benefit Calculator

Free tool · UK•Free · no sign-up•Updated 2 August 2026

Work out your Child Benefit in seconds — and whether the higher earner has to pay any of it back through the High Income Child Benefit Charge. Thousands of families opt out unnecessarily, or forget to claim and lose State Pension credits. This free tool clears it up; nothing is saved.

Your Child Benefit — and any High Income Charge

See how much Child Benefit you get, and whether the higher earner has to pay any of it back. Nothing is saved.

Rates: £27.05/week for the eldest child, £17.90 for each other child. The High Income Charge starts at £60,000 and takes it all back by £80,000. Even if you'd pay it all back, it's usually still worth claiming (see below).

How much Child Benefit is

Child Benefit is £27.05 a week for your eldest or only child, plus £17.90 a week for each other child — paid every four weeks, tax-free. For two children that's about £2,337 a year; for three, roughly £3,268.

The High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). If the higher earner's "adjusted net income" is over £60,000, some is clawed back: 1% of your Child Benefit for every £200 above £60,000. By £80,000 the charge equals the full amount. Crucially, it's based on the individual higher earner — two partners on £55,000 each (£110,000 between them) pay nothing.

Why you should claim even if you'll pay it all back

If the charge would cancel out your Child Benefit, you can choose not to receive the payments — but you should still fill in the claim. Registering credits you with National Insurance towards your State Pension (worth far more long-term) and automatically gets your child their National Insurance number at 16. Not claiming is one of the quiet ways parents lose future pension.

Lower the charge legitimately

The charge is based on adjusted net income. Paying more into a pension or making Gift Aid donations reduces that figure — which can shrink the charge or remove it entirely. Worth modelling before the tax year ends.

Common questions

How much is Child Benefit in 2026?
£27.05 a week for the eldest or only child and £17.90 a week for each additional child, paid tax-free every four weeks.
At what income do I start losing Child Benefit?
The High Income Child Benefit Charge begins when the higher earner's adjusted net income passes £60,000, and takes back the full amount once it reaches £80,000.
It's based on household income, right?
No — that's the common mistake. It's based on the highest individual earner. A couple earning £55,000 each pays no charge, even though that's £110,000 combined.
Should I claim if I'll have to pay it all back?
Yes. You can opt out of the payments to avoid the charge, but still submit the claim — it protects your State Pension through National Insurance credits and sorts your child's NI number.

Check the official sources

This is a free estimate to help you decide whether to make a claim — not an offer or a guarantee, and not financial advice. Rules, rates and thresholds change. Always confirm your exact entitlement with the official source before acting.

See what else your family is owed

Child Benefit is just one of several things families miss. Our free checker lists the other payments, credits and grants you may be entitled to — in about a minute.

Check everything you're owed →