Planning your family finances for June? Understanding when and how much Child Benefit you’ll receive this month is crucial for household budgeting. With no bank holidays affecting June payments and recent rate increases now fully in effect, families across the UK can expect consistent support throughout the month.
What is Child Benefit?
Child Benefit is a monthly government payment designed to help parents and guardians cover the costs of raising children. This universal benefit supports families regardless of employment status, making it a vital financial lifeline for millions of households across the UK.
The beauty of Child Benefit lies in its simplicity – you don’t need to undergo means testing, and there’s no limit to how many children you can claim for. Whether you’re a working parent, stay-at-home carer, or somewhere in between, this support recognizes the real costs involved in raising the next generation.
Current Child Benefit Rates for 2025-26
Following the annual uprating in April 2025, Child Benefit rates have increased by 1.7%. Here are the current weekly amounts you can expect:
| Child Category | Weekly Rate | Monthly Amount (4 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| First/Only Child | £26.05 | £104.20 |
| Each Additional Child | £17.25 | £69.00 |
These rates represent meaningful increases – families with one child now receive an extra £83.20 annually, while each additional child brings an extra £54.60 per year. For a family with three children, this translates to over £190 more support annually.
June 2025 Payment Schedule
June brings welcome predictability for Child Benefit recipients. With no bank holidays falling in June 2025, payments will follow their regular schedule without any adjustments needed.
How Payment Dates Work
Child Benefit is typically paid every 4 weeks on either Monday or Tuesday. Your specific payment date depends on when you first received your benefit. To calculate your next payment date, simply count forward 4 weeks from your last payment.
For single parents or families receiving certain benefits like Income Support, you may be eligible for weekly payments instead of the standard monthly arrangement. This can provide additional flexibility for those managing tight budgets.
Tracking Your Payments
You can easily monitor your payment history by:
- Checking your bank statement for transactions beginning with “HMRC Child Benefit”
- Using the online portal at tax.service.gov.uk to view your payment history
- Downloading the HMRC app for convenient mobile access
Eligibility Requirements
Understanding who qualifies for Child Benefit ensures you’re claiming all the support your family deserves.
Age Requirements
You can claim Child Benefit for:
- Children under 16 years old
- Young people aged 16-19 in approved full-time education or unpaid training
- Young people with disabilities who cannot support themselves financially
Approved Education and Training
For teenagers between 16-19, approved education includes:
- A-levels and Scottish Highers
- NVQs and vocational qualifications
- Home education programs
- Unpaid traineeships
Note that university degrees and BTEC Higher National Certificates don’t qualify, and training must be unpaid to meet eligibility criteria.
Responsibility Requirements
You’re considered responsible for a child if you:
- Live with them most of the time
- Pay at least the equivalent of Child Benefit toward their care
- Are their legal guardian or adoptive parent
High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC)
One of the most significant changes for 2024-25 was the adjustment to the High Income Child Benefit Charge threshold. This change has provided substantial relief for middle-income families.
New Income Thresholds
The HICBC now applies when either parent has an adjusted net income above £60,000 (increased from £50,000). The charge works on a sliding scale:
- 1% of total Child Benefit received for each £200 above £60,000
- Complete charge recovery when income exceeds £80,000
This means 170,000 families no longer pay back their Child Benefit, while nearly 500,000 families save an average of £1,300 annually.
What Counts as Income
Your adjusted net income includes:
- Employment income and self-employment profits
- Pension contributions and benefits
- Investment income and dividends
- Savings interest
- Rental income
Guardian’s Allowance
Families caring for children whose parents have died may also qualify for Guardian’s Allowance. This additional support provides £22.10 per week (increased from £21.75) on top of regular Child Benefit payments.
Guardian’s Allowance recognizes the additional responsibilities and costs involved when caring for orphaned children, providing crucial financial support during difficult times.
How to Claim Child Benefit
Claiming Child Benefit has never been easier, thanks to digital improvements and streamlined processes.
Required Documents
Before starting your application, gather:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your partner’s National Insurance number (if applicable)
- Child’s birth or adoption certificate
- Bank account details for payments
Application Methods
You can apply through:
- The HMRC app (fastest option)
- Online at GOV.UK
- By post using form CH2
- By phone for those unable to apply digitally
Timing Your Application
Apply as soon as possible after your child’s birth or when taking responsibility for a child. While claims can be backdated up to 3 months, earlier applications ensure you don’t miss any entitled payments.
Managing Changes
Life circumstances change, and it’s crucial to update your Child Benefit claim accordingly to avoid overpayments or underpayments.
When to Report Changes
Contact the Child Benefit Office when:
- Your child moves in with someone else
- You change bank accounts
- Your child turns 16 and their education status changes
- Your child stops approved education or training
- You move house or change contact details
Child Turns 16
HMRC automatically sends a form when your child approaches their 16th birthday. You must complete and return this by 31st August to continue receiving payments if your child remains in approved education.
Maximizing Your Benefits
Even if you’re not entitled to receive Child Benefit payments due to the high income charge, claiming still provides valuable advantages.
National Insurance Credits
Child Benefit claims generate National Insurance credits, protecting your State Pension entitlement. These credits are particularly valuable for parents taking time out of work to care for children.
Circumstances change – income may decrease, or tax thresholds may increase. Having an active Child Benefit claim ensures you can easily restart payments when beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if my Child Benefit payment doesn’t arrive in June?
Check your bank account and payment history first. If the payment is genuinely missing, contact the Child Benefit Office on 0300 200 3100 after checking with your bank.
Q: Can I claim Child Benefit for stepchildren?
Yes, you can claim Child Benefit for stepchildren if you’re responsible for their care and they live with you.
Q: How long does it take to process a new Child Benefit claim?
New claims typically take up to 12 weeks to process, though payments are backdated up to 3 months from your application date.
$780 Stimulus Checks Arriving August 2025 Find Out If You Qualify Today
