HMRC has confirmed that Child Benefit payments of £179 will be paid out early for claimants due to the forthcoming bank holiday. In May 2026, the UK has two bank holiday Mondays: the Early May Bank Holiday on May 4 and the Spring Bank Holiday on May 25, creating two distinct three-day long weekends.
As a result, HMRC will pay Child Benefit three days earlier than normal, on May 22, instead of the usual date. Child Benefit is typically paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday, but payment dates change if they fall on a bank holiday. HMRC advised: "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 HMRC pays you. Check with your bank for the date you’ll get your payment."
Child Benefit Rate Increase for 2026-27
Discussing the payment rises for the year ahead, James Murray, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said: "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."
Murray added: "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." This means that from April 6, 2026, the child benefit rate for the eldest child will increase from £26.05 to £27.05 per week. For other children, the rate will rise from £17.25 to £17.90 per week, and guardian’s allowance will increase from £22.10 to £22.95 per week.
