Some households will receive payments later than normal this month.
There are different dates for Child Benefit payments on bank holidays (Image: Getty)
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed a payment change for households claiming Child Benefit this month.
Child Benefit is issued to eligible parents or guardians who are responsible for raising a child under the age of 16, or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training. The benefit is usually paid every four weeks, either on a Monday or a Tuesday, at a current rate of £26.05 per week for one child, and £17.25 per week for each additional child. As Child Benefit is paid every four weeks, it means parents with one child will get £104.20 per month, while those with additional children will get an extra £69 per month – but the payment dates change if it’s due on a bank holiday.
HMRC has confirmed that there are different dates for Child Benefit payments this month due to a bank holiday falling on New Year’s Day.
The payment change will only affect claimants in Northern Ireland, with households who are due to receive their money on either December 29 or 30 set to get it slightly later than normal.
If your payment is due on either of these days, your new payment date from HMRC will be as follows:
- If your Child Benefit payment is due on Monday, December 29, you’ll instead be paid on Tuesday, December 30 (Northern Ireland only)
- If your Child Benefit payment is due on Tuesday, December 30, you’ll instead be paid on Wednesday, December 31 (Northern Ireland only)
Another payment change will affect Child Benefit claimants in Scotland at the start of the New Year, with households expecting a payment on Monday, January 5, 2026, due to be paid on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, instead.
HMRC said: “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.”
