Child Benefit 2026: Why You Should Always Claim (Even on a High Income)
4 April 2026 · 2 min read · By Heather
If you have children and you’re not claiming Child Benefit — even if you earn over £60,000 — you’re potentially losing over £800 a year in future State Pension. Here’s why you should always claim.
Current Rates (2025/26)
Eldest or only child: £26.05 per week (£1,354.60/year)
Each additional child: £17.25 per week (£897.00/year)
2026/27 rates will be confirmed at the start of the new tax year.
The High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC)
If either parent earns over £60,000, the HICBC starts to claw back Child Benefit through a tax charge. At £80,000, the charge equals 100% of the benefit — effectively cancelling it out.
But here’s the thing: you should claim anyway and opt out of receiving the money. Here’s why:
National Insurance Credits
The parent named on the Child Benefit claim receives Class 3 National Insurance credits automatically. These credits count toward your State Pension. You need 35 qualifying years for a full State Pension. Each missing year costs approximately £800+ per year in pension payments for the rest of your retirement.
If you’re a stay-at-home parent, working part-time below the NI threshold, or not working — these credits are essential. Without a Child Benefit claim, you get nothing.
How to Claim
Claim online at gov.uk/child-benefit or by post using form CH2. You can claim from the day your child is born. You can backdate up to 3 months.
If you’re affected by HICBC, tick the box to opt out of receiving payments but still receive the NI credits.
Common Mistakes
Not claiming because your partner earns too much. Claim and opt out. The NI credits are worth more in the long run.
Not claiming for a newborn. There’s no automatic registration. You must actively claim.
Forgetting to update after separation. If you’ve separated, make sure the claim is in the name of the parent with care.
For a full family budget template that includes Child Benefit, UC, and all entitlements, see our Family Budget Planner.
Legal Disclaimer — Family & Co-Parenting: This content provides general guidance on co-parenting communication and family matters. It is not legal advice. For matters involving child arrangement orders, contact orders, parental responsibility, or family court proceedings, consult a qualified family solicitor. You may be eligible for a free £500 mediation voucher via gov.uk. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (free, 24/7) or visit womensaid.org.uk. Darling Mellow Ltd accepts no liability for outcomes resulting from the use of any templates, scripts, or guidance provided. Communication templates are suggestions only and may not be appropriate for your specific circumstances — always seek professional advice for legal matters.
Financial Disclaimer: This content provides general budgeting and money management guidance only. It is not financial advice. Darling Mellow Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and does not provide regulated financial advice. Benefit rates, entitlements, and tax thresholds are subject to change — always verify current rates at gov.uk. For personalised debt advice: StepChange (0800 138 1111) or National Debtline (0808 808 4000). For benefits guidance: Citizens Advice (0800 144 8848). For regulated financial advice, consult an FCA-authorised independent financial adviser.
Health & Development Disclaimer: This content provides general information based on NHS and World Health Organisation guidelines. It is not medical advice. Every child develops at their own pace — developmental milestones are averages, not deadlines or diagnostic criteria. If you have any concerns about your child's health, development, feeding, or wellbeing, consult your GP, health visitor, midwife, or call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999. Darling Mellow Ltd is not a medical professional, health visitor, midwife, or healthcare provider. No clinical relationship is created by reading this content. Always follow the advice of your qualified healthcare professional over any information provided here.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this content may be affiliate links, meaning Darling Mellow Ltd may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use or believe in. Affiliate relationships never influence our editorial content, opinions, or recommendations. Full details are available in our Terms & Conditions.
Darling Mellow Ltd (Company No: 16314161, registered in England and Wales). All content on darlingmellow.co.uk is provided for general informational purposes only. While we make every effort to keep information accurate and current, we make no representations or warranties of any kind — express or implied — about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of any information, products, services, or related content. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. Darling Mellow Ltd shall not be liable for any loss or damage including, without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising from the use of this website or any information contained within it. External links are provided for convenience — we are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or availability of third-party websites.
The Co-Parenting Handover: How to Keep It Calm When You Want to Scream
Universal Credit April 2026: Every Change Affecting UK Families
Touched Out: What It Means, Why It Happens, and What to Do About It
