With the rising cost of living, the Government are offering parents and carers up to £1,248 a year to help with the cost of raising their first child – and up to £826.80 for any other children.

This means that by the time a child is 16 years old, their child benefit claim could be worth almost £20,000.

What is child benefit?

 Child benefit is a monthly payment for anyone with parental responsibilities for children under the age of 16, or up to 20 if they stay in approved education or training.How does it work?

There are two child benefit rates. The allowance for the eldest or only child is £24.00 per week. For additional children, the allowance is £15.90 per child.

Child benefit is usually paid every four weeks and there’s no limit to how many children you can claim for.

To find out if you’re eligible, and how to make a claim, visit GOV.UK (UTM).

By claiming child benefit, you can also get national insurance credits which counts towards your state pension, and a national insurance number for your child without them having to apply for one.

For more information, see the link above.