HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced a schedule change for Child Benefit payments due over the Christmas and New Year period, affecting thousands of UK families.
Revised Payment Dates for the Festive Break
The tax authority confirms that payments due on Monday 29 December or Tuesday 30 December will be shifted. If your payment was scheduled for the 29th, it will now arrive on Tuesday 30 December. For those expecting money on the 30th, the new payment date is New Year's Eve, Wednesday 31 December.
This adjustment is standard practice when a scheduled payment date falls on a UK bank holiday. HMRC routinely moves payments forward to the next available working day to ensure funds are not delayed by closed financial institutions.
Potential Delays in Scotland and Northern Ireland
Families in Scotland and Northern Ireland are advised to be aware of potential further delays. If a local public holiday means your bank is closed on the day HMRC processes the payment, you may receive your funds later.
HMRC recommends checking directly with your bank to confirm the exact date the payment will land in your account if you live in these nations.
How to Check Your Payment Schedule and History
Child Benefit is typically paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. Your first payment can take up to 12 weeks to process, or longer if you have recently moved to the UK, but payments will be backdated by up to three months.
To find out when you will be paid, you can check your original award notice and count forward four weeks from your last payment date. Remember not to count forward from a date that was originally a bank holiday, as the schedule differs.
You can verify payments in two key ways:
- Check your bank statement. The payment reference will start with 'HMRC Child Benefit' and be 18 characters long.
- View your payment history online via the HMRC portal, where you can see your five most recent payments. You will need to sign in or create an account, which may require identity verification using a passport or driving licence.
Weekly Payments for Eligible Families
It is important to note that some claimants are eligible for weekly payments instead of the standard four-week cycle. This applies if you are a single parent or if you or your partner receive certain benefits like Income Support.
All recipients are urged to plan their finances around the confirmed revised dates to avoid any unexpected shortfalls during the expensive festive season.
