Families receiving Child Benefit will see their payments adjusted in April due to the Easter bank holidays, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The scheduled payments, which typically fall on a Monday or Tuesday, will be issued earlier than usual for some recipients.
For millions of families, Child Benefit is a vital source of financial support, helping to cover essential costs for children under 16 or those in approved education or training up to the age of 20. Any adjustments to the payment schedule can affect household budgeting, making it essential for recipients to be aware of the changes.
Payments to Arrive Early for Some Families
Due to the Easter holiday period, HMRC has confirmed that Child Benefit payments due on Monday, 21 April, will be brought forward to Thursday, 17 April. This adjustment is necessary because both Good Friday (18 April) and Easter Monday (21 April) are official bank holidays in the UK, during which banking transactions are typically affected.
For those expecting payments on Tuesday, 22 April, HMRC has clarified that funds will be deposited as usual. The adjustment only applies to families whose payments were originally scheduled for Easter Monday.
Child Benefit is typically issued every four weeks, although some recipients—such as single parents or those receiving other benefits—may opt for weekly payments. The change in schedule means that affected families will need to manage their finances carefully, as the next regular payment will follow four weeks after the early disbursement.
Increased Payment Rates from April
Alongside the adjusted payment dates, Child Benefit rates are set to increase in April. According to HMRC, the weekly allowance for a first child will rise from £25.60 to £26.05, while additional children will receive an increased rate of £17.25 per week, up from £16.95.
This financial support is available to any eligible parent or guardian residing in the UK, provided the child lives with them or they contribute at least an equivalent amount to their care.
While there is no cap on the number of children a family can claim for, only one person can receive Child Benefit per child. Foster parents can also apply, provided they are not receiving local authority payments for the child’s accommodation or maintenance.
For families with children over 16, Child Benefit can still be claimed if the child remains in approved education or training until they turn 20. However, it does not cover higher education, such as university courses.
