Child benefit - opted out but still got payment

[LouThomp]

Help please - I'm sure its just me being stupid and not understanding. I have opted out of receiving child benefit as we are no longer entitled - but today have received a payment (about £15 less the normal amount). Does anyone know if this is the final payment (assumed would get nothing after the 7th - i have had letter from HMRC confirming our opt out. Just need to know if I can spend it, or need to put it aside to pay back!!!!

Yes it's ok I got mine too today. On the confirmation email it states this could happen.

It's paid in arrears. I'm expecting January's and then no more

from hmrc website:

It is worth knowing that you may still receive a Child Benefit payment in January 2013 even if you?ve already asked for your payments to be stopped. This is because Child Benefit is paid to you in arrears. If you receive a payment in January 2013 you don?t need to do anything.

Letter says "We will stop paying CB to you from 7 January"

Thank you all - a small welcome surprise!! X

We opted out too but have received another payment today!

Hi there, I've got the same problem too, I received full payment in January and then again this week for February, despite having opted out before the deadline, and receiving confirmation. Having gone to the trouble of opting out purely so that hubby doesn't need to self assess, it appears he's now going have to? Can anyone advise please? Thanks!

Our last payment was 28th December - not sure if we should have received another 10 days' worth or so .

We had a payment in Jan that was a lot less than the normal payment, but nothing since, I actually rang, and the automated message said it was paid in arrears and some may receive a january payment.

We received a payment for March too - I'm very confused.

And yet another payment today!

I am still receiving payments now, although opted out before the deadline.