Child Benefit payments could be delayed for some families in three parts of Scotland due to upcoming local public holidays. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued guidance for people living in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee who are due to receive payments on specific dates over the next few weeks.
Local holiday dates
The first local holiday will be in Edinburgh on September 21, followed by Glasgow on September 28 and Dundee on October 5. HMRC warns a Child Benefit payment might be delayed if the bank is closed for a public holiday on the day the money is due to be paid.
People affected by one of the three local holidays are advised to check with their bank to find out when their payment will arrive.
Payment schedule and rates
Child Benefit is usually paid every four weeks on either a Monday or Tuesday. However, some people can arrange to receive payments weekly. This option is available to single parents and people receiving certain other benefits, including Universal Credit.
There are two weekly Child Benefit rates during the current 2026/27 financial year. Parents and guardians can receive £27.05 each week for their eldest or only child and £17.90 for each additional child. This means someone receiving Child Benefit for two children would normally receive £44.95 each week, equivalent to £179.80 over a typical four-week payment period.
There is no limit on the number of children someone can claim Child Benefit for, although only one person can receive the payment for a particular child.
High Income Child Benefit Charge
People can still claim Child Benefit regardless of their income, but higher earners may have to repay some or all of it through the High Income Child Benefit Charge. The charge can apply when either the claimant or their partner has an adjusted net income of more than £60,000.
For every £200 of adjusted net income above £60,000, one per cent of the Child Benefit received must be repaid. This means the full amount is effectively repaid once adjusted net income reaches £80,000.
People affected can choose to receive Child Benefit and pay the charge or opt out of receiving the payments. However, HMRC advises someone who opts out can remain registered for Child Benefit. This means they can continue to receive National Insurance credits, which can help protect their future State Pension entitlement.
