Early Child Benefit payments due to bank holiday
HMRC has confirmed that surprise Child Benefit payments worth up to £180 will land in bank accounts on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 14 and 15, instead of the usual Monday date. The change affects households in Northern Ireland, where Monday, July 13 is a substitute bank holiday for the Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day). Normally paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday, Child Benefit will be issued early to avoid the holiday.
The payment amounts are £110 every four weeks for families with one child and £180 for those with two children. HMRC stated: "There are different payment dates if it’s due on a bank holiday." Recipients can expect the payment reference to begin with ‘HMRC Child Benefit’ and consist of 18 characters.
How to check your payment date
HMRC advises that you can work out your next payment by counting four weeks forward from your last payment, but not if it was due on a bank holiday. You can check your bank statement or view your Child Benefit payment history online to see up to five previous payments. For single parents or those on certain benefits like Income Support, weekly payments are available. HMRC added: "Check your award notice to find out when your first payment is due. You can count forward 4 weeks from this date to work out when you’ll get it next."
New applicants may not receive their first payment for up to 12 weeks, though it will be backdated for up to three months. This delay can be longer for those who have recently moved to the UK.
Rate increase for 2026-27
James Murray, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, announced that Child Benefit rates will increase by 3.8% for the tax year 2026-27, in line with the consumer prices index to September 2025. He stated: "The Tax Credits Act 2002 and Social Security Administration Act 1992 place a statutory duty on His Majesty’s Treasury to review the rates of child benefit each year in line with the general level of prices. There is a further statutory duty on the Treasury to increase guardian’s allowance in line with price growth. I have now concluded the review for the tax year 2026-27. I have decided to increase child benefit rates in line with the consumer prices index for the year to September 2025, which is 3.8%. Guardian’s allowance will also increase by the same rate."
