Money for parents and expectant mums
Child Benefit
If you’ve just given birth, or adopted a baby, you’re able to claim Child Benefit. This is a tax-free payment to help you care for your child which parents can claim for every new child, no matter how much you earn or what National Insurance contributions you have paid. And if this is your second baby (or more!), you’ll be glad to know you can claim for each child from birth until they’re at least 16 years old.
What you need to qualify
Every mother or father can claim this benefit for their child, as long as they are resident in the UK, and not subject to immigration control.
Did you know?
Child Benefit can help protect your state pension if you decide to look after your child full-time. The way it works is that for every complete year you receive Child Benefit, but don’t pay enough National Insurance contributions to count towards the basic state pension, you automatically get ‘Home Responsibilities Protection’ to cover the difference.