The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an important update regarding Child Benefit payments, as the upcoming May bank holiday will cause some recipients to receive their money earlier than usual. The DWP confirmed on social media that due to the bank holiday on Monday, 25 May, payments scheduled for that date will instead be made on Friday, 22 May.
Who Is Affected?
Child Benefit is typically paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. Those expecting a payment on Monday, 25 May will see the funds arrive three days early. This change applies not only to Child Benefit but also to other DWP payments, including Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and the state pension. The DWP routinely adjusts payment schedules when bank holidays occur to ensure recipients do not face delays.
Payment Amounts
The current weekly rates for Child Benefit are £27.05 for the eldest child and £17.90 for each additional child. For a family with two children, this amounts to £44.95 per week, or £179.80 every four-week cycle. However, recipients should be aware that the High Income Child Benefit Charge may apply if either parent earns over £60,000 annually. In such cases, 1% of the benefit must be repaid for every £100 earned above £60,000, with full repayment required once income reaches £80,000.
Check Your Eligibility
The DWP encourages families to review their eligibility for Child Benefit, even if they have not claimed before. Additionally, this is an opportune moment to use a benefits calculator to check for other financial support. Tools such as the one on Turn2us can help determine entitlement to additional benefits.
For further details, visit the official government website linked in the DWP's announcement. The early payment ensures that recipients have access to their funds before the bank holiday weekend.
