Search all content on GOV.UK

Find out about giving support for a maximum of 2 children and what to do if an exception applies to you.

• Updated: 19 August 2020

Child Benefit - child benefit rates, eligibility, how to claim, child benefit claim form CH2.

• How it works

  You get Child Benefit if you’re responsible for bringing up a child who…

• What you'll get

  There are 2 Child Benefit rates. Who the allowance is for Rate (weekly)…

• When and how it's paid

  Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. You…

• Who can get Child Benefit

  Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child. You normally qualify…

• Make a claim

  You can claim Child Benefit 48 hours after you’ve registered the birth of…

• Make a change to your claim

  You must report any change of circumstances to the Child Benefit Office.…

• Get help with your claim

  Contact the Child Benefit Office if you have any questions. If you…

What Tax-Free Childcare is, who can get it and how to apply.

• What Tax-Free Childcare is

  Tax-Free Childcare can help with the cost of paying for childcare. You’ll…

• Check if you're eligible

  Whether you can get Tax-Free Childcare depends on: your child’s age and…

• If you get Universal Credit or childcare vouchers

  You cannot get Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as claiming Universal…

• Apply for Tax-Free Childcare

  Use this service to apply for Tax-Free Childcare. If you live in England,…

• Sign in to confirm your details are up to date and pay your provider

  To keep getting Tax-Free Childcare you must sign in to your childcare…

What to do now that tax credits have ended: what your 'annual review' letter is, checking your details

Tax credits guidance and forms, including childcare costs, payment dates, overpayments and reporting changes.

• Updated: 5 February 2024

Universal Credit is replacing 6 other benefits with a single monthly payment if you're out of work or on a low income - eligibility, how to prepare.

Estimate the Child Benefit you've received and your High Income Child Benefit tax charge

High Income Child Benefit Charge - check if you're affected, how and when to pay this tax charge, opt out, restart Child Benefit payments or tell HMRC about a change in your circumstances.

Why tax credits go up, down or stop - changes to your family or work life you need to report such as a change of address.

This publication presents estimates of annual take-up rates for Child Benefit and for CTC and WTC, covering the 2016 to 2017 financial year.

• Updated: 12 December 2018