Can a couple both claim Child Benefit for the same children and who should make the claim?

11 Sept 2026, 10:00
Q A Reader Asker

Can a couple both claim Child Benefit for the same children and who should make the claim?

A ClaimGuide Team Answered by

Only one person can claim Child Benefit for each child, so a couple cannot both receive a payment for the same child. You can usually choose which parent claims, and the claimant may receive National Insurance credits that can help protect their State Pension record. If either partner has adjusted net income above the High Income Child Benefit Charge threshold, that person may have to repay some or all of the benefit through tax. Check the latest rules and rates on GOV.UK, as entitlement depends on your circumstances.

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