Child benefit is a welfare benefit paid to all children under 16, and some over 16 providing they are in full time education. Child Benefit is a universal benefit is not income contingent like Child Tax credit
Rates of Child Benefit
In 2008-09 the rates for child benefit is £18.80 a week for eldest child and £12.55 for each other child
Child Tax Credits
The government also offers tax credits which are means tested. if you have children the tax credits will tend to be higher.