Child benefit is payable if you are responsible for bringing up a child under the age of 16. It can also be paid until the child is 20 if they are in education or some kinds of training. It is not related to income or other benefits so most people will be entitled to it. From April 2010 the payment is £20.30 a week for the eldest child and £13.40 a week for each additional child.

 

For more information about this you can contact a local advice service.

You can claim Child Benefit online at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ or get an application form by phoning  0845 302 1444. You can claim as soon as a child is born or a child you are responsible for comes to live with you.