Child Benefit is paid to the main carer
Child Benefit is available to almost all parents bringing up children - regardless of income or level of savings.
Child Benefit is worth:
- £18.80 a week for your eldest child
- a further £12.55 for every other child.
Child Benefit is not taxable and is paid on top of any other money/benefits you receive and savings you have.
Who can claim
You can generally only claim Child Benefit for children up to the age of 16. From April 2006, you may be able to continue claiming Child Benefit (and Child Tax Credit) for children up to 20 if they are staying on at school or are in unwaged training.
You do not have to be the natural parent to claim Child Benefit.
See Children over 16 for info on benefits for this age group.
How to claim
Go to the HM Revenue & Customs website or call the Child Benefit Helpdesk on 0845 302 1444 (textphone users can call 0845 302 1474).