HMRC urges people earning under £80,000 a year to claim cash benefit (2025)

Parents or carers can get £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child (Image: Getty)

His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging people earning under £80,000 a year to claim a benefit worth up to £1,354 annually.

Child Benefit can be claimed by parents and carers to help cover the cost of bringing up a child under the age of 16, or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training. The benefit is paid at two different rates - a higher payment for the eldest or only child, and a lower payment for any additional children. Only one person can claim the benefit but there’s no limit to how many children you can claim for.

The benefit was uprated by 1.7% in April which means parents or carers can now get £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, which over a year amounts to £1,354.60 per year. For each additional child you can get an extra £17.25 per week, making the annual total for two children £2,251.60 per year, or £3,148.60 per year if you have three children.

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The allowance is paid monthly to you for each child you have and you’ll also gain National Insurance credits which count towards your State Pension, plus a National Insurance number for your child without them having to apply.

HMRC is urging parents who aren’t currently getting the benefit to submit a claim and urged high earners to make sure they aren’t missing out.

The maximum earning amount to receive any Child Benefit is £80,000, although if your income is more than £60,000 per year you may have to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge.

In a message on X (formerly Twitter) HMRC urged people to check their eligibility, particularly those on a high income. The government department said: “Opted out of Child Benefit payments and earn under £80k? You may be missing out on support.

The amount you or your partner can earn before you start paying the High Income Child Benefit charge is now £60k. Opt back in online or in the HMRC app.”

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If you or your partner earn £60,000 or less per year then you can claim the full amount of Child Benefit if the child lives with you, or if you're paying the same weekly amount as the benefit towards looking after them.

You can claim Child Benefit 48 hours after you’ve registered the birth of your child, or once a child comes to live with you and it can be backdated for up to three months.

Claims can be made online via the government website or by calling the HMRC helpline on 0300 200 3100.