Child benefit charge calculator
See how much of your Child Benefit the High Income Charge claws back, and what a pension contribution could save you.
Your Child Benefit charge
Change the numbers, the results update instantly.
The charge is based on the higher earner in the household, regardless of who claims Child Benefit. Always take advice before acting.
How it works
The High Income Child Benefit Charge applies once the higher earner in a household has adjusted net income above £60,000. The charge claws back 1% of Child Benefit for every £200 of income above that, reaching 100%, a full clawback, at £80,000. A pension contribution that brings adjusted net income back to £60,000 or below removes the charge entirely, which is why it's a common planning point for households near the threshold, and a topic we cover as part of self-assessment planning for higher earners.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays the charge if we're a couple?
Whichever partner has the higher individual income pays the charge, even if the other partner is the one who claims Child Benefit.
Is it worth claiming Child Benefit if I'll lose it all to the charge?
Usually yes: claiming (even if you opt out of receiving the payments) protects your National Insurance credits towards the State Pension, which matter if you're not working.
How much is Child Benefit worth?
It's paid weekly, at a higher rate for the first child and a lower rate for each additional child, adding up over a year, as shown in this calculator.
Can pension contributions really remove the whole charge?
Yes, because the charge is based on adjusted net income, and pension contributions (paid net, grossed up) reduce that figure. Contributing enough to bring income to £60,000 removes the charge in full, an approach detailed in our tax-efficient salary guide.
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These results are a simplified illustration based on 2026/27 rates, not advice. Your real position depends on your full circumstances. For a personalised answer, book a free consultation.
Numbers looking complicated?
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