HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that some UK households receiving Child Benefit will receive early payments of up to £108.20 in May due to upcoming bank holidays.
Child Benefit is available to parents or guardians responsible for raising a child under the age of 16, or under 20 if they remain in approved education or training.
Payments are normally made every four weeks, typically on a Monday or Tuesday. However, May includes two UK bank holidays, which will affect the usual payment schedule.
Revised Payment Dates
- Payments due on Monday, 4 May will be paid early on Friday, 1 May
- Payments due on Monday, 25 May will be paid on Friday, 24 May
HMRC has stated that when a payment date falls on a bank holiday, funds are issued on the last working day before.
Claimants are advised not to calculate their next payment by simply adding four weeks if their last payment was adjusted due to a bank holiday, as dates may vary.
Updated Child Benefit Rates (2026/27)
From April 2026, Child Benefit rates across the UK have increased by 3.8% in line with inflation.
- First or only child: increased from £26.05 to £27.05 per week
- Each additional child: increased from £17.25 to £17.90 per week
This means families will now receive approximately:
- £108.20 every four weeks for one child
- £71.60 for each additional child
Guardian’s Allowance Increase
Guardian’s Allowance has also risen from £22.10 to £22.95 per week, reflecting the same inflation-based adjustment.
Important Information
HMRC advises that payments may occasionally be delayed depending on individual bank processing times during public holidays. Claimants should contact their bank directly if they experience delays.
