HMRC is sending Child Benefit claimants an extra £216 in June due to the Monday or Tuesday rule, leading to double payments for many families. Claimants scheduled to be paid on Monday, June 1, will receive a second payment on Monday, June 29, while those paid on Tuesday, June 2, will get another payment on Tuesday, June 30.
Child Benefit provides £113.55 per month for the eldest or only child and £74.85 per month for each additional child. This tax-free, non-means-tested payment is available to anyone responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if in approved education or training). As a result, claimants paid on the first or second day of the month could receive £216 for one child and £150 for a second child.
Understanding Child Benefit Payments
Child Benefit is a payment for parents or guardians responsible for bringing up a child. It is paid every four weeks, usually on a Monday or Tuesday, and there is no limit on the number of children you can claim for. Only one person can receive Child Benefit for a child.
Weekly rates are £26.05 for the eldest or only child and £17.25 per child for additional children. You can opt for weekly payments if you are a single parent or receive certain benefits like Universal Credit or Income Support.
How to Claim
New claims can be made online or by calling the Child Benefit helpline at 0300 200 3100 to request a CH2 form, which must be completed and posted to HMRC. Processing can take up to 16 weeks (longer for new UK residents). Claims can only be backdated three months, so early application is advised.
To add a child to an existing claim, call the same helpline. The double payment in June is due to the scheduling rule that when the usual payment date falls on a Monday or Tuesday, the following month's payment also occurs on a Monday or Tuesday, resulting in two payments within the same calendar month.
