High Income Child Benefit Charge Calculator
Child Benefit for your number of children and how much the High Income Child Benefit Charge claws back between £60,000 and £80,000 — plus the pension contribution that would cancel it.
How it works
Child Benefit: £26.05/week for the eldest, £17.25 for each other child; charge = 1% of the benefit per £200 of adjusted net income over £60,000, reaching 100% at £80,000
Child Benefit is universal but clawed back from households where one earner’s adjusted net income exceeds £60,000, disappearing entirely at £80,000 — the thresholds doubled in April 2024. Because adjusted net income is after pension contributions and Gift Aid, a pension payment that brings you back under £60,000 restores the full benefit as well as attracting tax relief, an effective return of 60–70% in the taper. Even if you opt out of payments, register the claim so the non-earning parent gets National Insurance credits toward the State Pension.
Worked example
Two children = £2,252 a year. At £68,000 the charge is 40% of that, £901, leaving £1,351; an £8,000 gross pension contribution would remove the charge completely.
Frequently asked questions
Is it based on household income?
No — on the higher earner alone. Two parents on £59,000 keep everything; one on £80,000 loses it all.
Should I stop claiming?
Keep the claim registered for NI credits and the child’s NI number; you can opt out of payments to avoid the charge.
Related calculators
Uses 2025/26 UK rates and thresholds (England & Northern Ireland income tax unless stated). Thresholds change every April — check GOV.UK for the current figures. Educational estimate, not tax advice.