How to use the Child Benefit calculator
- 1 Enter the number of children.
- 2 Enter the higher earner's adjusted net income.
- 3 Read the yearly Child Benefit.
- 4 Check the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
Worked example
A family with two children where the higher earner has £65,000 of adjusted net income. Child Benefit is £44.95 a week, £2,337.40 a year. Income is £5,000 over £60,000, so the charge is 25%, £584.35, and the family keeps £1,753.05.
Why to claim even if you will pay it back
- National Insurance credits: claiming protects the State Pension of a parent who is not working or earns little, while the child is under 12.
- National Insurance number: the child is sent one automatically before they turn 16.
- Opt out of payments, not the claim: high earners can stop the money to avoid the charge but keep the credits.
- Coming rates: from April 2027, Child Benefit is due to be £28 a week for the eldest child and £18.55 for each other child.
A pension contribution can cut adjusted net income and the charge; see the effect with the Pension Salary Sacrifice Calculator. Earning over £100,000 too? Check the 60% Tax Trap Calculator.
Features
2026/27 rates
£27.05 a week for the eldest child and £17.90 for each other child.
HICBC
1% clawback per £200 over £60,000.
Four-weekly amount
Matches how Child Benefit is paid.
When to use it
New parents
See what you will receive. Cut the charge with the Pension Salary Sacrifice Calculator.
Higher earners
Check whether to claim and pay the charge. Over £100,000? Check the 60% Tax Trap Calculator.
Pension planning
See how pension contributions cut the charge. Check the Marriage Allowance Calculator too.
Budgeting
Plan around the four-weekly payment. Expecting? See the Maternity Pay Calculator.
Related Pay and Salary tasks
Frequently asked questions
How much is Child Benefit in 2026/27?
£27.05 a week for the eldest or only child and £17.90 a week for each additional child.
What is the High Income Child Benefit Charge?
A tax charge on the higher earner when their adjusted net income is over £60,000. It takes back 1% of the benefit for every £200, reaching 100% at £80,000.
Should I claim if I earn over £80,000?
Yes, usually. Claiming protects National Insurance credits for a parent who is not working. You can opt out of payments.
How can I reduce the charge?
Pension contributions and Gift Aid donations lower adjusted net income.
Is it based on household income?
No. It is based on the income of the higher earner in the household.
How is the charge paid?
Through Self Assessment, or employed people can now pay it through their tax code.
How long is it paid?
Until the child is 16, or 20 if they stay in approved education or training.
Is there a limit on children?
No. Child Benefit is paid for every child.
When should I claim?
Claim as soon as your baby is born or a child comes to live with you. Claims can only be backdated three months.
Does the charge apply if we are not married?
Yes. It applies to the higher earner in any couple living together, married or not.
Can I stop payments but keep the claim?
Yes. Opting out of payments avoids the charge while keeping National Insurance credits for a non-working parent.
Is the charge based on this year's income?
Yes. It uses adjusted net income for the tax year in which the benefit was paid.
What about Guardian's Allowance?
Guardian's Allowance is a separate payment for people raising a child whose parents have died.
Results are estimates based on the official rates linked above. Confirm important figures with the issuing authority or a qualified adviser before you act on them.
Built and reviewed by Hamza Farooq, founder and lead developer
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