Child Benefit for Two Children: 2026 Rates and How to Claim

Introduction: Your independent guide to Child Benefit for two children

If you are raising two children, you may be able to claim Child Benefit for two children. It is a monthly payment from HMRC to help with the cost of bringing up a child. You can claim it even if you are working, and it is not means-tested.

This independent guide explains the 2026 rates, how the two-child limit affects other benefits, and how to apply. We are not part of HMRC, so always check GOV.UK for the latest official rules.

Quick answer: For the 2026/27 tax year, Child Benefit pays £27.05 a week for your eldest child and £17.90 a week for your second child. That is £44.95 a week for two children, usually paid every four weeks (around £179.80). You can claim through the HMRC app or online.

Who can claim Child Benefit for two children?

You may be able to claim Child Benefit if you are responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training.

You can claim for both children on the same application. There is no limit on how many children you can claim Child Benefit for.
Only one person can claim Child Benefit for a child. If you are a couple, you need to decide who will claim.
You do not need to be working or have savings to claim. Child Benefit is not means-tested.
You may need to pay a tax charge if you or your partner earns over £60,000. This is called the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).

Nation differences:

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: Child Benefit rates are the same across all four nations.
Scotland: You may also be able to get Scottish Child Payment (see below). This is an extra payment from the Scottish Government.
The two-child limit: This affects Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit, not Child Benefit itself. For Child Benefit, you can still claim for a third child.

If you are claiming Universal Credit, see our guide to how the two-child limit affects your Universal Credit payment.

How much could you get for two children?

The rates increased on 6 April 2026. Here are the confirmed figures for the 2026/27 tax year:

Child	Weekly rate	Annual amount
Eldest or only child	£27.05	£1,406.60
Each additional child	£17.90	£930.80

For two children, this works out as:

£44.95 per week
£179.80 every four weeks (the usual payment cycle)
£2,337.40 per year

Important: Child Benefit is usually paid every four weeks into your bank account, on a Monday or Tuesday. You can get it paid weekly in some circumstances, such as if you are a single parent or getting certain other benefits.

If you are in Scotland, you may also get Scottish Child Payment. From April 2026, this is £28.20 per week for each eligible child under 16. For two children, that could add £56.40 a week on top of Child Benefit. [VERIFY: Scottish Child Payment eligibility rules on mygov.scot.]

If you are on a low income, see our guide to other benefits for families with children.

How to apply: step by step

You can claim Child Benefit online or through the free HMRC app. The HMRC app is the quickest way.

Create an HMRC online account. Go to GOV.UK and sign in or register. You will need your Government Gateway details.
Have your documents ready. You will need your child’s birth or adoption certificate, your bank details, and your National Insurance number.
Fill in the online form. Add both children to the same claim. You can claim for a new baby up to 48 hours after registering the birth.
Submit your claim. If you do not have all your documents yet, do not delay. Child Benefit can only be backdated for three months. Send your documents as soon as you can.
Wait for a decision. HMRC will write to you to confirm your claim. Payment will start once your claim is approved.

You can claim by post if you cannot use the online service. Fill in form CH2 and send it to the Child Benefit Office. The address is on the form.

Documents you’ll need: a checklist

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Your child’s birth or adoption certificate
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Your National Insurance number (and your partner’s, if you have one)
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Your bank or building society details (for payment)
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Your child’s original birth certificate and passport or travel document (if they were born outside the UK)

Common mistakes that delay or reduce claims

Waiting to claim. Child Benefit can only be backdated for three months. If you wait longer, you will lose money you were entitled to.
Not claiming because you think you earn too much. Even if you may have to pay the HICBC, it is usually still worth claiming. You can choose not to receive the payments and still get National Insurance credits.
Forgetting to update your claim. If your child turns 16 and stays in approved education, you need to extend your claim. If you do not, payments will stop.
Assuming the two-child limit applies to Child Benefit. The two-child limit affects Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit, not Child Benefit. You can still claim Child Benefit for a third child.
Not telling HMRC about changes. If you change address, bank details, or your child’s circumstances, tell HMRC straight away. Delays can cause overpayments.

If you are on Universal Credit, see our guide to the two-child limit and what it means for your claim.

What happens after you apply?

HMRC will process your claim and send you a decision letter. Payment usually starts within a few weeks. [VERIFY: current HMRC processing times for Child Benefit claims.]

If you disagree with a decision: You can ask HMRC to review it. You usually need to do this within one month of the decision. If you are still unhappy, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.

If you need to repay an overpayment: Contact HMRC to discuss repayment options. You can ask for a repayment plan if you cannot afford to pay in full.

If you need to challenge a decision, see our guide to appealing an HMRC decision.

Child Benefit is not the only help available for families with two children.

Scottish Child Payment (Scotland only): £28.20 a week for each eligible child under 16. Apply through Social Security Scotland.
Guardian’s Allowance: If you are raising a child whose parents have died, you may be able to get £22.95 a week on top of Child Benefit.
Tax-Free Childcare: You may be able to get up to £2,000 a year per child towards childcare costs.
Free school meals: Your children may be able to get free school meals if you receive certain benefits.
Sure Start Maternity Grant: A one-off payment of £500 if you are expecting your first child and on certain benefits. [VERIFY: rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland.]

Quick summary checklist

✅ Child Benefit for two children in 2026/27: £44.95 a week (£179.80 every four weeks).
✅ Eldest child: £27.05 a week. Second child: £17.90 a week.
✅ Claim through the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK.
✅ Backdating: Only up to three months.
✅ High Income Child Benefit Charge: Applies if you or your partner earns over £60,000.
✅ Scotland: You may also get Scottish Child Payment (£28.20 per child per week).

FAQs

How much is Child Benefit for two children in 2026?
For the 2026/27 tax year, Child Benefit pays £27.05 a week for your eldest child and £17.90 a week for your second child. That is £44.95 a week, usually paid every four weeks.

Can I claim Child Benefit if I earn over £60,000?
You can still claim, but you may have to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge. This means you repay some or all of the Child Benefit through your tax return. It is usually still worth claiming for National Insurance credits.

Is there a two-child limit for Child Benefit?
No. The two-child limit applies to Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit, not Child Benefit. You can claim Child Benefit for as many children as you are responsible for.

How long does it take for Child Benefit to be paid?
HMRC usually processes claims within a few weeks. [VERIFY: current processing times.] Payment is usually made every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday.

Can I get Child Benefit backdated?
Yes, but only for up to three months from the date HMRC receives your claim. Claim as soon as possible, even if you do not have all your documents.

Conclusion

Child Benefit for two children pays £44.95 a week in 2026/27, or £179.80 every four weeks. You can claim through the HMRC app or online. The two-child limit does not apply to Child Benefit, so you can claim for both children without restriction.

Remember to claim quickly, because backdating is only possible for three months. If you are in Scotland, check whether you can also get Scottish Child Payment. And if you earn over £60,000, check how the High Income Child Benefit Charge affects you.

For more help, see our guides on Scottish Child Payment, the two-child limit, and Tax-Free Childcare.

Disclaimer: This is an independent informational website. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the DWP, HMRC, any UK government body or local council. Information is for general guidance only and is not financial or legal advice. Always check GOV.UK for the latest official information.

[LAST CHECKED: 12 October 2026]