Pocket Money by Age in the UK (2026)
The average weekly amounts UK children receive at every age — from regular allowances to chores-inclusive income — so you can see where your family sits.
There's no single "correct" amount of pocket money, but there is a clear national picture. In early 2026, the average child aged 7–18 received £9.90 a week (GoHenry), while estimates that include one-off chore payments and rewards put the overall figure closer to £10.73 a week (Smartmonies). The table below breaks those numbers down by age, so you can compare three answers to the same question: the national average, what money apps see, and what our calculator recommends.
Average pocket money by age — 2026 UK table
| Age | Average weekly income* | Money-app average** | KidsGigs calculator*** |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | £4.99 | — | £4.50 |
| 7 | £5.34 | £4.30 | £5.00 |
| 8 | £5.64 | £4.44 | £6.50 |
| 9 | £5.92 | £4.78 | £7.00 |
| 10 | £6.47 | ≈£5.00 | £7.50 |
| 11 | £7.61 | ≈£5.50 | £9.50 |
| 12 | £9.17 | £8.12 | £10.00 |
| 13 | £11.09 | £10.68 | £10.50 |
| 14 | £13.36 | £12.86 | £12.50 |
| 15 | £15.74 | — | £13.00 |
| 16 | £20.60 | — | £13.50 |
| 17 | £23.97 | — | — |
* Statista (2025 survey year, March 2024–February 2025): total weekly income including chores and other sources. ** GoHenry (January–April 2026): regular weekly payments seen on its platform; ages 10–11 interpolated from surrounding data. *** KidsGigs calculator defaults: goal-oriented philosophy, 4 paid chores per week. Try your own numbers in the pocket money calculator.
Regular allowance vs. total income: why the numbers differ
The two market-average columns answer different questions. Statista's figures are total weekly income — regular pocket money plus chore payments, rewards and one-off jobs. GoHenry's are closer to regular recurring payments only.
That's why a 13-year-old shows £11.09 in one column and £10.68 in the other — the gap is chores. A 2025 UK analysis found regular (allowance-only) pocket money averaged around £3.85 a week, while chores-inclusive income was roughly £10.73. If you pay a base amount plus chore earnings, you're doing exactly what the averages describe.
How to use these numbers in your family
Averages are a starting point, not a target. Before settling on an amount, decide what it should cover: treats only, or also snacks out, app purchases and entertainment? The more your child is expected to fund, the higher your number should sit.
The most reliable pattern across all the data: a small unconditional base plus earnings from paid chores. Our pocket money calculator does exactly this — it combines your child's age, chores and your family's savings philosophy into a weekly recommendation, then splits it into spend, save and invest. You can even pin it to the fridge with our printable chore chart.
Whichever amount you land on, the amount itself matters less than the routine: a predictable payday, a visible savings goal, and a child who knows the money is theirs to manage. Our guide to setting up a pocket money system walks through the whole setup step by step.
Common questions
How much pocket money should a 10-year-old get in the UK?
Around £5–£7 a week is the 2026 norm for a 10-year-old. Statista puts total weekly income at £6.47 for age 10, while GoHenry records roughly £5 a week in regular payments. Our calculator recommends about £7.50 for a 10-year-old doing 4 paid chores a week.
What is the average pocket money in the UK in 2026?
GoHenry data for early 2026 puts the average at £9.90 a week for children aged 7–18. Including one-off chore payments and rewards, Smartmonies estimates the overall average closer to £10.73 a week.
Should pocket money increase with age?
Yes — and UK data shows it clearly. Weekly income rises from roughly £5 at age 6–7 to £13–£16 at 14–15, and £20+ by 16–17, as children take on bigger chores and cover more of their own costs. A good rule of thumb is a small rise each birthday.
Is £5 a week too much for a 7-year-old?
No. Statista puts a 7-year-old's total weekly income at £5.34, and GoHenry records £4.30 in regular payments. £5 is right at the average — but the amount matters less than the habit of managing it.
How much pocket money should a 14-year-old get?
About £12–£13 a week. Statista reports £13.36 in total weekly income at 14, and GoHenry records £12.86. Our calculator recommends £12.50 for a 14-year-old doing 4 paid chores a week.
Get a personalised recommendation in 30 seconds
The pocket money calculator tailors the averages to your child's age, chores and your family's savings approach — free, private, no sign-up.
Try the pocket money calculator →Sources: Statista (2025) · GoHenry via The Independent (2026) · Smartmonies (2026) · RoosterMoney Pocket Money Index