HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued an important reminder to parents who have more than one child, urging them to claim Child Benefit quickly and easily via the HMRC app or online. In a post on X, the UK tax authority highlighted the support available through Child Benefit, a form of tax-free financial assistance from the Government for parents or guardians of a child under 16, or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training.
Weekly Payments and National Insurance Credits
The post stated: "Have more than one child? Claim Child Benefit now and you could receive: £27.05/week for your eldest child. £17.90/week for each additional child. You'll also get National Insurance credits to protect your State Pension - even if you're not currently working. Claim via the HMRC app or online now." A graphic shared with the post informed Brits that they can claim "quickly and easily" on the app.
Although only one person can get Child Benefit for a child, there is no limit on how many children you can claim for. Claiming it comes with several benefits, including: the allowance paid to you for each child (usually every four weeks), National Insurance credits that count towards your State Pension, and a National Insurance number for your child without them having to apply for one (they usually receive it shortly before turning 16).
High Income Child Benefit Charge
While Child Benefit is not means-tested, it is subject to a High Income Child Benefit Charge if the claimant or a partner they live with receives Child Benefit and at least one of them earns more than the threshold. HMRC previously flagged this rule in a post on X, writing: "Attention parents! Recently had a pay rise? If you’re now earning over £60k and you get Child Benefit you may need to pay some of it back. You can use the new High Income Child Benefit Charge service if you don’t already complete Self Assessment." In such cases, money is clawed back by HMRC via a tax return, paid back by the person in the relationship earning over the threshold, which is currently £60,000.
How to Claim
Parents can claim Child Benefit quickly and easily through the HMRC app or online. The benefit provides essential financial support for families with multiple children, along with valuable National Insurance credits that help protect the State Pension, even for those not currently working.
