People can claim Child Benefit if they are responsible for bringing up a child who is under 16, or is under 20 and has stayed in approved education or training.
By claiming Child Benefit, you will receive an allowance for each child, usually paid every 4 weeks, which this month has increased to £25.60 per week for the first child – equivalent to £1,331.20 per year – and £16.95 per week or £881.40 a year for each additional child.
You will also get National Insurance credits which count towards your State Pension, and a National Insurance number for your child, which they will receive shortly before they turn 16.
Child Benefit is not means tested, but if either your or your partner’s income is over £60,000 a year, you may have to pay the 'High Income Child Benefit Charge'. This will not be more than the amount you get from Child Benefit, and you will still receive the other advantages of Child Benefit like National Insurance credits.
Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child. Claims can be made online at Child Benefit or via the HMRC app and will be backdated for up to 3 months.
Alison Hinds, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Director of Children's Social Care, said: "Child Benefit is paid to help parents and carers with the cost of raising their children, and claiming it also brings other benefits, most notably National Insurance credits which count towards the parent or carer's pension. If you are eligible, please make sure you are claiming it."
In addition to child benefit, it’s also worth making sure you’re getting everything else to which you’re entitled. The council offers a ‘missing benefits’ assessment; for more information, please call 01902 555351 or email wrs.benefitshelpline@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
Households can also still seek help from the council if they’re struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The Household Support Fund can help with a variety of household essentials, but priority is given to food and energy. It is designed to help anyone in need and you can apply direct to the council for help.
There are also a network of community shops cross the city where Wolverhampton residents can buy good food at low prices.
A flagship community shop, Central Shop, is open at the Queen’s Building in Victoria Square in the city centre along with the Pomegranate café offering hot drinks and snacks at competitive prices.
Find your nearest community shop and more information on all cost of living support at Cost of Living Support.
