Can I claim Child Benefit if I earn a high income and will it affect my tax return?

30 Sept 2026, 11:50
Q A Reader Asker

Can I claim Child Benefit if I earn a high income and will it affect my tax return?

A ClaimGuide Team Answered by

You can usually claim Child Benefit if you are responsible for a child, regardless of your income. If your individual adjusted net income is above £60,000, you may have to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge through Self Assessment; the charge increases gradually and can equal the full benefit once income reaches £80,000. It is based on the higher earner’s income, not the household’s combined income. You can opt out of receiving payments while still claiming National Insurance credits, and should check the latest thresholds and reporting rules on GOV.UK.

This Q&A is editorial content produced by the ClaimGuide team. It does not guarantee any individual outcome.
Q&A Contact