Child Benefit Abroad

UK Child Benefit rules become complex when you leave the country. Generally you stop receiving it — but there are export rules, the High Income Charge changes, and NI credit implications you need to know.

Your situation

Number of children

First child: £26.05/wk · Additional children: £17.25/wk each (2025/26)

Where are you moving?

Are the children remaining in the UK (e.g. at boarding school)?

Yes

No, coming with me

Are you moving for employment (working in new country)?

Yes

No (retired / other)

Your adjusted net income (for HICBC check)

HICBC applies if you or your partner earns over £60,000 (2024/25 threshold increased from £50k).

Current Child Benefit recipient (before move)?

Yes

Enter your details to see your assessment.

Key rules explained

💰 Current rates (2025/26)

£26.05

Per week · first child

£17.25

Per week · each additional child

Equivalent to £1,354.60/year for one child or £2,252.60 for two children.

🌍 The basic rule: leaving the UK

Child Benefit is generally for UK residents. When you leave, you are normally no longer entitled. You must notify HMRC of your departure (using the Change of Circumstances process). Failure to do so and continuing to claim could mean repayment demands.

🇪🇺 EU/EEA export rules — important exception

If you move to an EU/EEA country to work, you may be able to export Child Benefit from the UK for a transitional period. Post-Brexit rules are complex and depend on your EU country's social security agreement. You may also be entitled to family benefits in the EU country, with the UK topping up the difference.

⚠️ These rules changed post-Brexit. Get specific advice from HMRC International Teams or Citizens Advice.

📍 Children staying in UK

If your children remain in the UK (e.g. at boarding school, with a partner/co-parent), Child Benefit may continue, claimed by the person caring for the children in the UK. You cannot claim if you and the children all leave.

🏦 NI credits — important for your State Pension

Registering for Child Benefit (even if you claim £0 due to HICBC) gives you National Insurance credits toward your State Pension. These only apply while the child is under 12. If you move abroad and stop claiming, you lose these credits — which could reduce your eventual State Pension.

Consider: Register for Child Benefit but opt out of payment to preserve NI credits if you plan to return.

💸 High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) — 2024/25 changes

From tax year 2024/25, the HICBC threshold was raised from £50,000 to £60,000, with full clawback at £80,000 (previously £60,000). This means more families can claim the full benefit. The charge applies to the higher earner regardless of which partner claims.

📋 Actions to take before leaving

1. Contact HMRC to notify them of your departure date
2. Check if export rules apply to your EU destination
3. Consider registering for £0 to preserve NI credits (if returning)
4. Update your Child Benefit claim or stop it from the correct date
5. Keep records — HMRC may check and ask for repayment if overclaimed