Does Child Benefit affect your other benefits?

Child Benefit doesn't count as income for other benefits. But if you get Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit, the office paying you needs to know if you're getting Child Benefit. This is so they can work out how much to pay you.

Does Child Benefit affect your tax credits?

Child Benefit doesn't count as income if you're applying for tax credits.

Does Child Benefit affect your other benefits?

Child Benefit doesn't count as income for other benefits.

If you're claiming Housing Benefit

If you're claiming Housing Benefit your Child Benefit will not be taken into account as income. But the office dealing with these benefits needs to know about your Child Benefit, so they can work out how much to give you.

When you first claim Housing Benefit

When you first claim Housing Benefit you'll be asked about any children you're looking after and if you're getting Child Benefit for them. This will help the office dealing with your Housing Benefit work out how much to give you.

Sometimes you might be asked for proof of your Child Benefit. This could be because there is a query over where your child normally lives, or if your child is over 16.

If you're already getting Housing Benefit

Let the office that pays your benefit know if you start to get Child Benefit for the first time.For example, if you have your first baby. It might make a difference to the amount of benefit you get.

You also need to tell them if your Child Benefit changes or stops. For example if you have another child, or your child leaves home or finishes school or college.