HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that Child Benefit payments of £108.20 every four weeks may be delayed for some UK households from Monday, July 13, due to a bank holiday in Northern Ireland. The Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen's Day) bank holiday on July 13 means that processing times could be affected, causing payments to arrive a day later than usual.
Payment Changes for Northern Ireland Claimants
Child Benefit is normally paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. However, when a payment date falls on a bank holiday, HMRC adjusts the schedule. For Northern Ireland, households due to be paid on Monday, July 13, can expect their payment from Tuesday, July 14, at the earliest. Those expecting payment on Tuesday, July 14, may receive it on Wednesday, July 15. HMRC stated: "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."
Payment Timelines and Bank Processing
HMRC noted that payments can take up to three working days to clear, and bank holidays during this period may cause a delay. The exact date households receive funds may vary depending on their specific bank, as some credit payments sooner than others. This delay applies only to Child Benefit claimants in Northern Ireland; claimants in other parts of the UK will receive payments on their usual date.
2026/27 Payment Rates and Increase
From April 6, 2026, Child Benefit rates increased by 3.8% in line with the Consumer Prices Index for the year to September 2025. The weekly rate for the first or eldest child is now £27.05, up from £26.05, and for each additional child it is £17.90, up from £17.25. This means a four-weekly payment of £108.20 for one child, and an additional £71.90 for each extra child. Guardian's allowance also rose to £22.95 per week.
James Murray, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, confirmed the uplift: "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. 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%."
Eligibility for Child Benefit
Child Benefit can be claimed by parents or guardians responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they are in approved education or training. HMRC advises claimants to calculate their next payment by counting four weeks forward from their last payment, but not to do so if the payment was due on a bank holiday, as dates differ.
