🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Child Benefit (CH2)

Weekly Payment for Children

Easy ~15 min ChildrenBenefitsFamilyHMRC

/ What is this form?

Child Benefit is a regular payment from HMRC to help with the cost of raising children. Rates in 2024/25: £26.05/week for the eldest child, £17.25/week for each additional child. Only one person can claim per child.

The High Income Child Benefit Charge applies if either parent earns over £60,000. For each £200 over £60,000, 1% of the benefit must be repaid through Self Assessment. At £80,000+, the entire benefit is repaid. However, it's still worth claiming to accrue National Insurance credits.

Claims can be backdated up to 3 months. After 16, you must notify HMRC if the child stays in approved education or training.

/ Who needs this form?

Parents or guardians responsible for a child under 16
Parents of 16–20 year olds in approved education or training
Foster parents in some circumstances

/ What you need before you start

Child's birth or adoption certificate (original, returned after processing)

National Insurance number

Bank account details for payment

Your partner's National Insurance number if applicable

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Obtain Child's Birth Certificate

You'll need the original birth or adoption certificate for each child you're claiming for.

2 Complete Form CH2

Fill in your details, your partner's details if applicable, and details of each child. Available online or by post.

3 Submit the Claim

Post the completed form with the original birth certificate(s) to the Child Benefit Office.

4 Payments Begin

Payments are made every 4 weeks (or weekly for single parents). They begin after processing, backdated up to 3 months.

/ Key fields explained

Field	What to enter	Common mistake
Child's details	Full name, date of birth, and birth certificate number for each child.	Sending a photocopy of the birth certificate — only the original is accepted (it will be returned).

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Not claiming if high earner — even if you repay it all, you still receive valuable NI credits.

Not backdating — claims can be backdated up to 3 months, so claim as soon as possible.

Not telling HMRC when the child's circumstances change (leaves education, moves out).

/ Frequently asked questions

What is the High Income Child Benefit Charge?

If you or your partner earns over £60,000, you repay 1% of Child Benefit for every £200 above £60,000. At £80,000+, the full benefit is repaid. Claim anyway to get National Insurance credits.