UK child benefit who’s entitled

A few months ago, I attempted to apply for child benefit, but when I reached the final pages asking about salary range, I thought we might not be eligible, so I didn't proceed. However, I have since been informed by several people that everyone in the UK is entitled to receive child benefit regardless of income and that there’s no need to pay any of it back through taxes. Is that true?

Show your support

If you earn less than 60k, you're entitled to it. X

It does depend on how much you earn, with our first we would pay just as much in tax so wasn’t worth it.

It depends on the income of the highest earner in the household. You can still proceed with the claim and opt out of any payments, as this allows you to claim the national insurance credits, I believe.

For the highest earner in the household - If you earn less than 60k you don’t have to pay anything back and would keep the full amount. If you earn up to 80k it’s still beneficial to apply but you’d have to pay some back on a sliding scale depending on earnings. If you earn more than 80k not worth applying for it as you’d have to pay it all back. It takes into account all earnings and some benefits not just salary.

Just to add to above you can still apply but decline payment, the only reason for this is because by applying it protects your national insurance but then decline by payments you don’t have to pay it back if you earn over a certain amount. So I would work out if you’d have to pay any back and then decide to take payments or not but either way I’d still apply so your national insurance is protected whilst your on maternity leave

You van claim it with what ever wage but if you earn over 60k you get less and how much less depends on how much you earn. For some people, it's just not worth it.

Definitely apply as @Demi said even if you’re above the threshold just decline the payments it helps with your NI and state pensions and also will get your baby a National insurance number without having to apply for one when they’re older

If you or your partner earn less than £60k you don’t need to pay back any tax. That is £60k for one salary not a combined salary. The highest earner will be responsible for paying the tax. Sometimes it’s not worth getting it but you should continue with the form even if you’re going to proceed or not.

I also thought it was the highest earners take home oay, so after deductions for pension and tax etc. Rather than just the top line. Maybe I'm wrong?

@Amanda its also after any salary sacrifice schemes (eg cycle to work, car scheme, healthcare etc)

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌