HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will make Child Benefit payments of up to £180 to households before the end of August, under current weekly rates. Claimants receive £27.05 per week for their eldest or only child, and an additional £17.90 per week for each subsequent child.
These rates translate into concrete payment amounts: a parent with one child receives £108.20 in each four-week payment period. Families with more than one child get an extra £71.60 per child per four-week cycle, bringing the total for two children to £179.80 – just 20 pence short of £180.
Payment schedule and bank holiday adjustments
HMRC confirmed that Child Benefit is typically paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. However, payment dates differ when the scheduled day falls on a bank holiday.
According to HMRC: “Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. There are different payment dates if it’s due on a bank holiday.” Claimants can calculate their next payment by counting four weeks forward from their last payment, but should not do so if the payment was due on a bank holiday, as the dates differ.
HMRC also warned that payments might be delayed if the bank is closed for a public holiday on the day HMRC pays. In such cases, claimants should check with their bank for the actual payment date.
High earners and income thresholds
Parents or partners earning more than £60,000 a year before tax can still claim Child Benefit, but they must repay some or all of it through extra Income Tax. The repayment rate is 1% of the family’s Child Benefit for every £200 of income above £60,000.
If either partner earns over £80,000 a year, they must repay all Child Benefit in extra Income Tax. HMRC bases its assessment on 'adjusted net income' – the pay subject to tax, excluding amounts paid through salary sacrifice.
Why register even if you earn above the threshold
Even if claimants do not expect to be entitled to any payment because their income exceeds the £60,000 limit, HMRC recommends registering and then opting out of the payment. This ensures they do not miss out on National Insurance credits, which can protect their state pension and other benefits.
The £180 payment figure reflects the maximum amount a two-child family can receive in a single four-week cycle at current rates. Parents should verify their payment dates with their bank, especially around bank holidays, and consider registering for Child Benefit even if they plan to opt out, to secure National Insurance credits.
