Guide
How much pocket money should children get in the UK?
In short
A common UK rule of thumb is about £1 per year of age, per week, for example, around £8 a week for an 8-year-old. Adjust to your family budget and what the money needs to cover. Consistency and fairness matter more than the exact figure.
A starting point by age
| Age | Typical weekly amount | What it teaches |
|---|---|---|
| 5–7 | £1–£3 / week | Small, regular amounts to introduce the idea of saving up for something. |
| 8–10 | £3–£5 / week | Enough to make simple choices, spend now or save for a bigger treat. |
| 11–13 | £5–£8 / week | Bigger goals and the start of budgeting across a week or month. |
| 14–16 | £8–£15 / week | More independence; often linked to chores, responsibilities or part-time earnings. |
Ranges are general guidance, not financial advice, set what works for your household.
Frequently asked questions
- How much pocket money should I give my child?
- As a rough UK starting point, many families give around £1 per year of age each week, so about £8 a week for an 8-year-old, then adjust for their household budget and what the money is expected to cover. The amount matters less than being consistent and fair.
- Should pocket money be linked to chores?
- Many families use a mix: a small base amount plus extra earned through agreed chores. This teaches that effort is rewarded without making every helpful act transactional. PocketReady supports both fixed amounts and points-per-chore.
- How often should I pay pocket money?
- Weekly works well for younger children because the feedback is quick; older children can handle monthly, which is good practice for budgeting.
See also: age-appropriate chores by age.
Make pocket money fair and consistent
Set up your family in minutes. Free for up to 2 adults and 3 children, no card required.
Start free