Parents expecting Child Benefit on the August bank holiday will receive their money early this week, as payments due on Monday are brought forward. HMRC Child Benefit payments due on Monday, August 31 will instead be paid on Friday, August 28, meaning eligible families should receive the money before the bank holiday weekend.
Why payments are moved
The change is made because banks and other financial institutions are closed on bank holidays, so payments that would normally fall on that date are issued on the previous working day.
The early payment comes just before the start of the new school year, when many households face additional costs.
Other benefits affected
Other benefits due on August 31 will also be brought forward to Friday. These include Universal Credit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance and Disability Living Allowance.
People whose usual payment date does not fall on the bank holiday should receive their money as normal.
Government statement
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: "We’re pleased to confirm that benefit payments due on the August bank holiday will be paid earlier. This will help ensure families and older people receive their money without disruption over the bank holiday period.
"This Government is determined to ensure people up and down the country have the support and breathing room they need, which is why we’ve acted to take money off energy bills, increase the National Minimum Wage and lift half a million children out of poverty, as well as supporting people into good, secure jobs."
The Government said the change is designed to give families greater certainty over their finances ahead of the long weekend.
Households receiving Child Benefit do not need to take any action to receive the earlier payment. The change simply means those who would normally be paid on August 31 should see the money arrive on August 28 instead.
After the bank holiday, payments will return to their usual schedule.
