How Much Pocket Money Should I Give My Child? A UK Guide by Age

There's no single official figure for UK pocket money — it varies hugely by family, region and household budget — but there are genuinely useful benchmarks and, more importantly, a bigger decision worth making first: flat allowance, or amount tied to effort.

Typical UK pocket money by age (rough guide)

• Age 5-7: Often £1-£3 a week, frequently in the form of small coins for a physical money box — as much about learning what money is as the amount itself.
• Age 8-10: Commonly £3-£6 a week, often the point where a child starts managing some of their own small spending decisions.
• Age 11+: Frequently £6-£10+ a week, sometimes shifting to monthly amounts as children take on more independent spending, including things like mobile phone credit or days out with friends.

These are genuinely broad averages, not rules — regional cost of living, family circumstances and how many things pocket money is expected to cover (clothes, phone credit, days out) all shift the "right" number considerably.

Flat allowance versus effort-based amounts

Beyond the raw number, the bigger decision is structural: a flat weekly amount regardless of behaviour, or an amount tied to effort — chores, learning practice, or both. Both are valid; they teach different things. A flat allowance teaches budgeting with a predictable income, closer to how many adult salaries work. An effort-based system teaches a more direct connection between work and reward, and gives you a practical lever if there's something specific — like reading or times tables practice — you're trying to encourage.

A hybrid that many families land on

A common middle ground: a smaller flat "base" amount every week regardless of anything, topped up by additional pocket money earned through chores or learning effort. This keeps some predictability (useful for a child learning to budget) while still providing real incentive for the specific things you want more of.

Making the earned portion actually work

If you do go the effort-based route — particularly for learning — the amount matters less than the consistency and visibility. A penny or two per correct spelling or maths answer sounds tiny, but adds up meaningfully over a week of regular practice, and the running total itself is often more motivating to a child than the eventual cash amount.