🇬🇧United Kingdom

Child Benefit (CH2)

Weekly Payment for Children

Easy~15 minChildrenBenefitsFamilyHMRC

/ 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

1Obtain Child's Birth Certificate

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

2Complete Form CH2

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

3Submit the Claim

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

4Payments 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.