Child Benefit: why claiming matters for National Insurance credits
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Parents who opt out of Child Benefit payments because of the High Income Child Benefit Charge may still lose State Pension credits unless they register. New guide explains rates, HICBC and who should claim.
By Money Guide editorial team
Published:
Child Benefit pays a weekly amount per child and is not means-tested — but the High Income Child Benefit Charge claws back payments when adjusted net income exceeds £60,000, with full clawback above £80,000.
A common mistake: higher earners stop claiming entirely and lose National Insurance credits for a non-working or low-earning parent. Credits can protect State Pension entitlement for years when you are not paying NI through employment.
You can register for Child Benefit without receiving payments (form CH2) to keep credits while avoiding the charge. Alternatively claim, receive payments, and pay HICBC through Self Assessment.
Child Benefit is separate from Universal Credit child elements and the two-child limit. You can receive both Child Benefit and UC if eligible.
See our Child Benefit explained guide, HICBC hub and eligibility checker for rates and steps.