Child Benefit is a regular payment for people raising children. It works quite differently in Ireland and the UK — but in both, people lose out: in Ireland by not claiming in time, and in the UK by opting out when they shouldn't. Here's how it works on both sides, and the traps to avoid.
Quick facts
- Ireland
- Around €140/month per child — universal, not means-tested
- UK
- ~£26/wk eldest child, ~£17/wk each other child (≈ £188/mo for 2)
- UK catch
- A tax charge claws it back at higher incomes (but still claim — see below)
- Until
- Generally age 16, or older if in full-time education
In Ireland
Irish Child Benefit is universal — it's not means-tested, so every family gets it regardless of income. It's around €140 a month per child, paid to the parent or guardian, usually until the child turns 16 (or 18 if they're still in full-time education or have a disability). For a baby, you often don't even need to apply — it can be set up automatically when you register the birth. For other situations (a child coming to live with you, moving to Ireland), you apply through MyWelfare.
In the UK (including Northern Ireland)
UK Child Benefit — what older generations still call "family allowance" — pays a higher weekly rate for your eldest or only child and a lower rate for each additional child, paid every four weeks. Northern Ireland uses the exact same UK system and rates.
How much is UK Child Benefit?
As a guide for 2025/26 (always confirm the current figure on GOV.UK):
- Eldest or only child: about £26 a week (≈ £113 a month)
- Each additional child: about £17 a week (≈ £74 a month)
- So for 2 children: roughly £43 a week — about £188 a month; for 3, about £60 a week.
Who can claim?
You can claim if you're responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training) and you live in the UK. Only one person can claim for a given child — usually the main carer, which matters because the claim builds their National Insurance credits.
The one catch is the High Income Child Benefit Charge: if you or your partner earn over £60,000, a tax charge claws some of it back, rising to a full claw-back at £80,000.
How to claim — step by step
Register the birth (Ireland)
For a new baby in Ireland, Child Benefit is often started automatically once you register the birth — check your MyWelfare account.
Apply if needed
Ireland: apply via MyWelfare.ie if it isn't automatic. UK: claim through GOV.UK as soon as your child is born or comes to live with you.
Don't delay (UK)
UK Child Benefit can only be backdated three months — claim promptly so you don't lose payments or NI credits.
Handle the high-income charge (UK)
If you're over the threshold, you can still claim for the NI credits and either pay the charge through self-assessment or opt out of the payments while keeping the credits.
Update when things change
Tell them if your child stays in education past 16, leaves home, or your circumstances change, so your payments stay correct.
Common questions
Is Child Benefit means-tested?
I'm a high earner in the UK — should I still claim?
When does Child Benefit stop?
Can I backdate a claim?
How much is Child Benefit for 2 children in the UK?
Is "family allowance" the same as Child Benefit?
Who can claim Child Benefit?
Check the official sources
This guide is general information, not financial or tax advice. Rates, thresholds and the high-income charge change — always confirm the current details on GOV.UK or gov.ie before you act.
Keep going
Raising a family? Check what else you're owed
From Working Family Payment to childcare help and energy grants — see everything in 60 seconds, free.
Check What You're Owed →