A flat weekly amount
The same money every week, with chores expected as part of family life. Simple to run, and children learn to budget a fixed income.
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Guide · Pocket money
How much pocket money by age (UK, 2026)
The latest UK averages for every age from 6 to 17, what children earn for chores, and three simple ways to run pocket money at home. Figures are from the NatWest Rooster Money Pocket Money Index 2026.
Average weekly pocket money by age
“Regular” is the weekly amount before chores and extras. “Total” includes money earned from chores and one-off boosts.
| Age | Regular pocket money | Total weekly income |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | £2.69 | £4.58 |
| 7 | £2.79 | £4.77 |
| 8 | £2.88 | £5.10 |
| 9 | £3.07 | £5.52 |
| 10 | £3.27 | £6.08 |
| 11 | £3.56 | £7.30 |
| 12 | £4.01 | £9.15 |
| 13 | £4.50 | £11.50 |
| 14 | £5.10 | £13.97 |
| 15 | £5.66 | £16.34 |
| 16 | £6.68 | £21.26 |
| 17 | £7.95 | £22.56 |
Source: NatWest Rooster Money Pocket Money Index 2026, based on UK children aged 6 to 17. The overall average is £9.74 a week. Under-sixes aren’t included; many families use stickers or points at that age instead of money.
What chores pay
What UK children earn for chores
- Mowing the lawn: £3.52
- Washing the car: £3.36
- Cleaning windows: £1.65
- Gardening: £1.38
- Walking the dog: £1.15
- Looking after chickens: £1.14
- Making the bed: £0.28
Average paid per job, NatWest Rooster Money Pocket Money Index 2026.
Three ways to do it
Linking pocket money to chores
Pay per chore
Everyday jobs are unpaid, but bigger jobs (the car, the lawn, the windows) earn extra. Good for older children who want to earn more.
Points for privileges, cash on top
Chores earn points that children swap for rewards you choose: screen time, choosing dinner, a day out. Any pocket money is a small fixed amount, or an optional cash-out you hand over yourself.
Questions parents ask
How much pocket money should a 7 year old get in the UK?
The NatWest Rooster Money Pocket Money Index 2026 puts regular pocket money for a seven year old at £2.79 a week, or £4.77 once chores and extras are included. Many families give less and use points or privileges instead.
How much pocket money does a 10 year old get?
About £3.27 a week of regular pocket money, rising to £6.08 once money from chores is counted, according to the 2026 index.
What is the average pocket money in the UK?
Across ages 6 to 17, children’s average total weekly income is £9.74 (NatWest Rooster Money Pocket Money Index 2026), up 6.7% on the year before.
Should pocket money be linked to chores?
About 30% of UK children do chores as a condition of getting pocket money. Linking the two can teach that money is earned, but many families keep everyday jobs unpaid and pay only for extras. Pick one rule and stick to it.
What age should children start getting pocket money?
Many families start at around five or six, when children can count coins and understand saving for something. Younger children often respond better to stickers or points than to money.
Want the chart to cheer back?
Score Your Chores is the same idea on your iPhone. Kids wake up their own Buddy, finish quests with a press-and-hold, and save points for rewards you choose. You approve everything in two taps. Free, no ads, no child accounts.