HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a crucial reminder to parents earning under £80,000 to review their eligibility for Child Benefit, a payment that could significantly ease family finances. Despite over 1.4 million claims already made online, many families continue to overlook this vital support, which can be worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds each year.
Currently, Child Benefit pays £26.05 weekly for the eldest child and £17.25 for each additional child, disbursed every four weeks. This financial assistance can provide meaningful relief amid the ongoing cost-of-living challenges faced by many households.
One common misconception concerns income limits. While some families with incomes near £80,000 wrongly believe they cannot claim due to the High Income Child Benefit Charge, HMRC clarifies that even higher earners can still register. Parents can opt to receive the benefit payments or decline them but still gain National Insurance credits, which count towards their State Pension entitlement.
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Child Benefit is available to anyone responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if the child remains in approved education or training. There is no cap on the number of children for which you can claim, although only one person can claim per child.
One of the most important benefits of making a claim—often overlooked—is the National Insurance credit parents receive while their child is under 12. This credit helps protect parents’ eligibility for the State Pension, especially for those not working or earning below the National Insurance threshold. Failing to claim may result in gaps in pension records, potentially leading to lower retirement income.
Payments typically arrive every four weeks, but some parents, such as single parents or those receiving certain benefits, can opt for weekly payments.
HMRC emphasizes that parents should not automatically assume ineligibility. The government encourages individuals earning less than £80,000 to check their eligibility through the HMRC app or online service to ensure they don’t miss out on this important financial support.