HMRC benefit payments of £173 a month or more for some parents

Parents across the UK could be in line for payments of up to £173 a month or more, offering additional financial support throughout the year. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) provides financial aid to parents whose children are still in approved education or training.

However, eligibility can vary greatly depending on the child's age, their type of training or education, and the parent's earnings. The amount you receive may also be more or less than the £173 figure, depending on how many children you're claiming for.

At a flat rate, the HMRC can provide £26.05 per week from Child Benefit for the eldest child, while any additional children will receive £17.25 per week. So, if you have two children and claim Child Benefit for both, you could receive £43.30 per week.

Read on for a comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know about claiming Child Benefit.

You are eligible to claim Child Benefit if you are responsible for a child under 16, or if they are under 20 and still in approved education or training. This can include A-Levels, NVQs or even home schooling, but it does not cover university or BTEC qualifications.

To claim Child Benefit, the child typically needs to reside with you, or you must contribute at least the same amount as Child Benefit towards their upkeep. If you have fostered a child and the local council is not contributing towards their accommodation or maintenance, or if you have adopted your child, you can claim Child Benefit.

You may also be eligible if you are caring for a child for a friend or relative. There is no limit to how many children you can claim Child Benefit for, but if two people care for a child, only one person can claim Child Benefit.

Child Benefit is paid every four weeks by HMRC on a Monday or Tuesday.

Some parents making a claim for Child Benefit may be at risk of needing to pay some or all of it back, depending on their income. Known as the High Income Child Benefit Charge, this dictates that if you or your partner crosses over an individual income threshold, you will face penalties on your Child Benefit payments.

For the 2024/25 tax year, the threshold is any earnings over £60,000. Keep in mind that this threshold applies to each individual income, rather than the joint income. Therefore, as long as one parent earns over the threshold, the High Income Charge will begin being implemented.

Furthermore, once your income reaches £80,000 or more, you will be required to pay back all of the Child Benefit; otherwise, you can simply opt out of the payment.

Further details on the High Income Child Benefit Charge can be found here.