How the Child Benefit calculator works
Child Benefit is a tax-free payment for anyone bringing up a child under 16, or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training. There's no limit on how many children you can claim for. This calculator uses the rates for the 2026/27 tax year (6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027) and works out how much of it you keep after the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).
Child Benefit rates for 2026/27
| Who it's for | 2026/27 weekly rate | Per year (52 weeks) | 2025/26 weekly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eldest or only child | £27.05 | £1,406.60 | £26.05 |
| Each additional child | £17.90 | £930.80 | £17.25 |
The rates went up from April 2026. Child Benefit is normally paid every four weeks, straight into your bank account. You can ask for weekly payments if you're a single parent or get certain other benefits.
So two children get £44.95 a week (£2,337.40 a year) and three children get £62.85 a week (£3,268.20 a year).
The High Income Child Benefit Charge
If you or your partner have adjusted net income over £60,000, the higher earner pays a tax charge that claws back some or all of the Child Benefit. It's based on the higher earner's income alone, not your joint income.
- Income of £60,000 or less: no charge
- Between £60,000 and £80,000: 1% of the Child Benefit for every £200 over £60,000
- Over £80,000: the charge equals all of your Child Benefit
Only full £200 steps count, so £61,099 is 5 steps over and the charge is 5%. These thresholds have applied since 2024/25. Before that the charge started at £50,000 and the whole benefit was lost at £60,000.
Worked example: two children, £70,000 income
Two children get £2,337.40 a year. Income of £70,000 is £10,000 over the threshold, which is 50 steps of £200, so the charge is 50%: £1,168.70. You keep £1,168.70. If the higher earner paid £10,000 into a pension, their adjusted net income would drop to £60,000 and the family would keep the full £2,337.40.
What counts as adjusted net income?
Adjusted net income is your total taxable income (salary, self-employed profit, pensions, rent, savings interest and dividends) minus some deductions, before your Personal Allowance. The main deductions are:
- Pension contributions paid by salary sacrifice or net pay (they never count as income)
- Relief-at-source and personal pension contributions, grossed up by 25%
- Gift Aid donations, grossed up by 25%
That's why a pension contribution is the classic way to keep your Child Benefit. In the £60,000 to £80,000 band, every £200 you pay in saves you 1% of your benefit on top of the normal tax relief. Our salary sacrifice calculator shows the effect on your take-home pay.
Paying the charge
The charge is paid by the higher earner. You can register to pay it through your tax code via HMRC's online service, or through a Self Assessment tax return. Alternatively, you can choose not to receive the payments and avoid the charge altogether.
Why claim even if you earn over £80,000?
- A parent who stays at home with a child under 12 gets National Insurance credits that count towards their State Pension.
- Your child is given a National Insurance number automatically before they turn 16.
- If your income drops later, you can restart payments without making a fresh claim.
Claims can only be backdated three months, so claim soon after a birth. To see your full pay picture, try the take-home pay calculator, and check whether you could also get the Marriage Allowance.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Child Benefit in 2026/27?
Child Benefit is £27.05 a week for the eldest or only child and £17.90 a week for each additional child from April 2026. That's £1,406.60 a year for one child and £2,337.40 for two.
At what income do you lose Child Benefit?
The High Income Child Benefit Charge starts when the higher earner's adjusted net income goes over £60,000 and takes back 1% for every £200 above that. At £80,000 or more the charge equals all of the Child Benefit.
Is the Child Benefit charge based on household income?
No. It's based on the adjusted net income of the higher earner only. A couple each earning £59,000 pays no charge, while a household with one earner on £80,000 loses it all.
Can pension contributions reduce the Child Benefit charge?
Yes. Pension contributions and Gift Aid reduce your adjusted net income, so paying enough into a pension to bring it down to £60,000 removes the charge entirely.
How often is Child Benefit paid?
It's usually paid every four weeks. For two children in 2026/27 that's £179.80 every four weeks.
Last reviewed October 2026 using 2026/27 figures. This calculator gives an estimate for guidance only.