Baby Bonus Calculator 2017
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Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team
The UK government introduced the Baby Bonus in 2017 as part of its efforts to support families with young children. This calculator helps you determine how much you could have received based on your child's birth date and your income.
How the 2017 Baby Bonus Was Calculated
The Baby Bonus was a one-off payment made to eligible families with children born between April 2017 and March 2018. The amount you received depended on your income and the number of eligible children in your family.
The Baby Bonus was introduced to help families with the costs of raising children. The payment was designed to be means-tested, meaning the amount you received was based on your income.
Key Factors in the Calculation
- Your income at the time of your child's birth
- The number of eligible children in your family
- Your child's birth date (to determine eligibility)
Calculation Formula
Where:
- Maximum Payment: £500 per eligible child
- Rate: 0.01 (1%) for incomes under £50,000, 0.02 (2%) for incomes between £50,000 and £60,000, and 0.05 (5%) for incomes over £60,000
Who Was Eligible for the Baby Bonus
To be eligible for the Baby Bonus, you needed to meet certain criteria:
- Your child was born between April 2017 and March 2018
- You were a UK resident at the time of your child's birth
- You were not in receipt of certain benefits, such as Universal Credit
- You had a valid National Insurance number
Eligible Children
You could claim the Baby Bonus for each eligible child in your family. The number of eligible children in your family determined the total amount you could receive.
If you had more than one eligible child, you could receive the Baby Bonus for each child. However, the total amount you received would be based on your income and the number of eligible children.
Baby Bonus Payment Amounts
The amount of the Baby Bonus you received depended on your income and the number of eligible children in your family. The maximum payment was £500 per eligible child.
Payment Structure
| Income Level | Rate | Example Payment for One Child |
|---|---|---|
| Under £50,000 | 1% | £500 - (£40,000 × 0.01) = £460 |
| £50,000 - £60,000 | 2% | £500 - (£55,000 × 0.02) = £390 |
| Over £60,000 | 5% | £500 - (£70,000 × 0.05) = £150 |
Example Calculation
If you had one child born in 2017 and your income was £45,000, your Baby Bonus would be calculated as follows:
This means you would receive £450 for your child.
How to Claim Your Baby Bonus
If you were eligible for the Baby Bonus, you could claim it through the government's online portal. Here's how the process worked:
- Register for a Government Gateway account if you don't already have one
- Complete the online application form with your personal details and child's information
- Provide proof of your income and eligibility
- Submit your application
You had until March 2018 to claim your Baby Bonus. If you missed the deadline, you would not be able to claim the payment.
What You Needed to Claim
- Your National Insurance number
- Proof of your income
- Your child's birth certificate or adoption papers
- A valid email address and phone number
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was eligible for the 2017 Baby Bonus?
To be eligible, you needed to be a UK resident with a child born between April 2017 and March 2018. You also needed to have a valid National Insurance number and not be in receipt of certain benefits.
How much was the Baby Bonus in 2017?
The maximum payment was £500 per eligible child. The actual amount you received depended on your income and the number of eligible children in your family.
When could I claim the Baby Bonus?
You could claim the Baby Bonus until March 2018. If you missed the deadline, you would not be able to claim the payment.
How was the Baby Bonus calculated?
The Baby Bonus was calculated based on your income and the number of eligible children in your family. The formula used was: Baby Bonus = (Maximum Payment - (Income × Rate)) × Number of Eligible Children.
What if I had more than one eligible child?
If you had more than one eligible child, you could receive the Baby Bonus for each child. However, the total amount you received would be based on your income and the number of eligible children.