Some UK households claiming Child Benefit will receive bumper payments of £216.40 in August, as HMRC issues double payments due to the month having five Mondays.
Who qualifies and payment rates
Child Benefit can be claimed by parents or guardians responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training. Current rates are £27.05 per week for the eldest or only child, and an extra £17.90 per week for each additional child.
Payments are made every four weeks, usually on a Monday or Tuesday. For one child, each payment is £108.20; with more children, an extra £71.60 per child is added.
Why some get double payments in August
Because August has five Mondays, some claimants will be paid twice. Those paid on Monday, August 3, will have their next payment due four weeks later on Monday, August 31, resulting in a double payment month.
However, households expecting a payment on August 31 should note this coincides with the summer bank holiday, causing disruption. HMRC's payment timetable confirms those payments will be made on the earliest working day before, which is Friday, August 28.
Official guidance and unclaimed benefits
HMRC explained: “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. You can work out when you’re next going to get Child Benefit by counting 4 weeks forward from your last payment. Do not count forward if your payment was due on a bank holiday - the dates are different. Your payment might be delayed if the bank is closed for a public holiday on the day HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) pays you. Check with your bank for the date you’ll get your payment.”
Recent HMRC figures show more than 6.8 million families claim Child Benefit, but over 30% of new parents miss out by not claiming in their baby's first year. Claims can be backdated only three months from the date HMRC receives the claim, so many families are not receiving what they're entitled to. There is no limit on the number of children, and claims can be made just 48 hours after birth registration.
High Income Child Benefit Charge
If a claimant or their partner has an individual income between £60,000 and £80,000, the higher earner may owe the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). For 2026/27, 1% of Child Benefit must be repaid for every £200 earned above £60,000. If income is £80,000 or more, all Child Benefit must be repaid. Claimants can choose to receive payments and pay the charge, or opt out of payments and avoid the charge.
