Child Benefit Payment Dates 2025 UK | When Will You Get Paid?

Are you wondering when your next Child Benefit payment will arrive in 2025? Knowing the exact payment dates is essential for planning your monthly finances, especially when dates change due to bank holidays.

Whether you’re a new claimant or a long-time recipient, it’s important to understand how your payments work, what to expect throughout the year, and what to do if there are any delays.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down all the essential details, dates, and scenarios for Child Benefit payments in 2025 across the UK.

What Are the Official Child Benefit Payment Dates in 2025?

Child Benefit in the UK is typically paid every four weeks, either on a Monday or a Tuesday. However, specific dates may shift due to regional bank holidays or public holidays. Here’s a full look at the official payment changes expected for 2025.

Payment Dates 2025

Due Date	Payment Date	Region Affected
17 March 2025	18 March 2025	Northern Ireland only
18 March 2025	19 March 2025	Northern Ireland only
21 April 2025	17 April 2025	UK-wide (Easter Monday)
5 May 2025	2 May 2025	UK-wide (Early May Bank Holiday)
26 May 2025	23 May 2025	UK-wide (Spring Bank Holiday)
14 July 2025	15 July 2025	Northern Ireland only
15 July 2025	16 July 2025	Northern Ireland only
4 August 2025	5 August 2025	Scotland only
25 August 2025	22 August 2025	UK-wide (Summer Bank Holiday)

Staying aware of altered payment dates ensures you can plan your finances effectively. Always double-check near holidays to avoid surprises.

How Do Bank Holidays Affect Child Benefit Payments?

Bank holidays can significantly impact the usual Child Benefit payment schedule. HMRC reschedules payments that fall on a holiday to be paid earlier, ensuring that claimants are not left waiting.

Here’s how bank holidays affect payments:

• Payments due on a Monday bank holiday are usually paid on the preceding Friday.
• Regional bank holidays in Scotland and Northern Ireland may cause further changes.
• Local holidays in cities like Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dundee may also affect when your money arrives.

Key Bank Holidays That Impact Child Benefit in 2025:

• Easter Monday: 21 April (paid on 17 April)
• Early May Bank Holiday: 5 May (paid on 2 May)
• Spring Bank Holiday: 26 May (paid on 23 May)
• Summer Bank Holiday: 25 August (paid on 22 August)

Important Notes:

• Always check your bank statement or HMRC account for the exact date.
• If in doubt, contact your bank or the Child Benefit Office.

Planning ahead using this information ensures your budgeting stays on track.

What Happens If My Payment Falls on a Weekend or Bank Holiday?

When Child Benefit payments are due on a weekend or bank holiday, HMRC will typically make the payment earlier. This ensures that you do not experience a financial gap due to processing delays.

Weekend Adjustments

• Payments due on Saturday or Sunday will usually be deposited on the preceding Friday.
• Banks do not process payments over the weekend, so early payment is standard practice.

Holiday Adjustments

• Payments that coincide with public holidays follow a similar early schedule.
• If a holiday falls on a Monday, your payment will generally arrive on the Friday before.

This system is automatic, no action is needed on your part. However, always double-check your payment history to ensure you’ve received it.

How Much is the Child Benefit Payment?

The amount you receive depends on how many children you are responsible for. These rates apply to the 2025–2026 tax year and are not means-tested unless someone in your household earns over £60,000 annually.

• £26.05 per week for your eldest or only child
• £17.25 per week for each additional child

There is no limit to the number of children you can claim for. If you have five children, for example, your weekly total could be as high as £95.05.

The payments help families cover the cost of raising children and are considered essential income support for many across the UK.

What Time Does the Child Benefit Get Paid?

Child Benefit is typically paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. However, some families qualify for weekly payments, including:

• Single parents
• Claimants receiving certain benefits, like Income Support

Most people receive their Child Benefit into their bank account through direct deposit. If you’re unsure of your schedule, check your award notice or bank statement to track the pattern.

Understanding your frequency ensures smoother budgeting and reduces financial surprises.

How Can I Work Out My Next Child Benefit Payment Date?

Figuring out your next payment date is quite straightforward. You can manually calculate it or use HMRC’s online services.

To do it yourself:

• Find your last confirmed payment date.
• Count four full weeks forward carefully (unless your next payment falls on a bank holiday).

Or you can:

• Check your bank statement for a reference starting with “HMRC Child Benefit Payment Notice”.
• Log in to your HMRC online account and review your payment history (up to 5 previous payments shown).

Quick Tip List:

• Always exclude all public bank holidays when counting payment dates.
• Watch for any regional holidays that might affect your local area (especially in Scotland specifically).
• Keep your contact information updated with HMRC at all times.
• Set reminders or alerts for your next payment date.
• Contact HMRC support if payments appear delayed unexpectedly.

By staying informed and checking regularly, you can avoid unexpected delays or missed payments. Using HMRC tools and reminders makes managing your Child Benefit much easier.

What If I’ve Just Started Receiving Child Benefit?

New claimants often experience a different schedule than regular ones. Your first Child Benefit payment can take up to 12 weeks to arrive.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Check your award notice, it tells you when to expect your first payment.
• Your first payment will be backdated up to 3 months if eligible.

What Can Delay the First Payment?

• Recent move to the UK
• Missing identity verification (e.g. passport or driver’s licence not submitted)
• Incomplete application details

Stay Proactive:

• Ensure your banking details are up to date
• Respond promptly to any communication from HMRC

What Should You Do If Your Child Benefit Payment Is Late?

If your payment hasn’t arrived, don’t panic. There are steps you can take before contacting the Child Benefit Office.

Immediate Checks

• Review your bank statement, payments are labelled “HMRC Child Benefit”
• Confirm your payment date wasn’t moved due to a holiday
• Check if your bank was closed due to a regional or local holiday

Common Reasons for Missing Payments

• You moved or changed bank accounts and didn’t notify HMRC
• You didn’t respond to HMRC’s request for further details
• Your child turned 16 and no education plans were submitted
• You are no longer eligible to receive Child Benefit

Next Steps to Follow

• Contact your bank first
• Then reach out to the Child Benefit Office if needed
• Have your National Insurance number and child’s details ready

Taking quick action will usually resolve the issue smoothly.

Can Child Benefit and Universal Credit Be Paid Together?

Child Benefit and Universal Credit are separate benefit systems, but you can receive both at the same time if you qualify. While they are paid individually, there is no restriction preventing someone from receiving both.

Each benefit is processed and delivered independently. Universal Credit is assessed monthly, while Child Benefit has a fixed four-week schedule. This means you may receive them on different days depending on your benefit cycle.

If you’re eligible for both, they are both paid directly into your bank account through separate transactions.

What Is the Difference Between Child Benefit and Universal Credit?

Although both are government support payments, they serve different purposes. Here’s a breakdown:

Aspect	Child Benefit	Universal Credit
Payment Frequency	Every 4 weeks (or weekly if eligible)	Monthly
Based On Income?	No (except for high-income charge)	Yes
Purpose	Supports cost of raising children	Helps cover living costs
Eligibility	Must be responsible for a child	Varies based on income, family situation
Paid By	HMRC	Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

These benefits can complement each other, especially for low-income families with children.

How Can I Repay Child Benefit If I’ve Been Overpaid?

Sometimes, overpayments can occur if your circumstances change and you don’t update HMRC in time. In these cases, you’re required to return the overpaid amount.

When You Might Owe Repayment?

• If you continued receiving payments after your child left full-time education
• If you earned over £60,000 and did not pay the High-Income Child Benefit Charge
• If your child no longer lives with you and HMRC was not informed

How to Repay?

• Write to the department listed on any letter from HMRC
• Include a cheque payable to the department
• Provide your National Insurance number and details of the overpayment

Returning overpaid benefits helps keep your records clear and avoids future penalties.

Conclusion

Understanding the Child Benefit payment dates for 2025 is vital for effective household budgeting. From bank holiday disruptions to your first claim timeline, being informed will help you manage expectations and avoid unnecessary confusion.

Stay ahead by checking your payment history regularly, planning for bank holiday shifts, and updating HMRC with any changes to your circumstances. With the right information, managing your Child Benefit is simple and stress-free.

FAQs About Child Benefit Payment Dates 2025

Can I get my Child Benefit weekly instead of every four weeks?

Yes, if you are a single parent or receiving certain benefits, you may request weekly payments.

What do I do if I can’t access the HMRC payment history online?

You can check your bank statements for payment references or call the Child Benefit helpline.

Are there different payment dates if I move from England to Scotland or NI?

Yes, regional and local holidays in Scotland and Northern Ireland may alter your payment schedule.

Does switching my bank account delay Child Benefit?

It can if HMRC is not informed in advance, so always update your details promptly.

How do I prove my identity for Child Benefit account access?

You’ll need photo ID such as a passport or driver’s licence to access HMRC’s online services.

Can my Child Benefit stop without warning?

Yes, if you fail to update HMRC about eligibility changes like your child’s education or residence.

Can I get Child Benefit paid into someone else’s account?

Only under exceptional circumstances where you cannot manage a bank account of your own.

Read Next:

What is the Two Child Benefit Cap?

How Can You Change Bank Details for Child Benefit Payments in UK?

Child Benefit When Your Child Turns 16: What You Need to Know?

Does Child Maintenance Affect Universal Credit?