Millions of families across the UK will see money land in their bank accounts sooner than expected this month.
People claiming Child Benefit receive the payment every four weeks or so, though the day will differ slightly if there’s a bank holiday.
Now that winter has all but thawed away, it’s entering that beautiful time of year when there seems to be a day off – or two – every month.
The next bank holiday is Good Friday on April 18 and Easter Monday following not far behind on April 21.
What is Child Benefit?
Child Benefit is money paid to parents or guardians raising a child under 16 or a young person under 20 if they are in approved education or training.
A person responsible for a child aged 16 or 17 – the cut-off point for the payment – can still receive Child Benefit if they meet HMRC’s ‘child extension’ rules.
The benefit isn’t means-tested, so it isn’t based on how much someone earns. Instead, it’s a sum sent out every four weeks or so.
Only one person can claim the money per household.
It also gives claimants National Insurance Credits that count towards their state pension.
A Child Benefit payment is £26.05 per week for their eldest or only child – or about £104.20 a month.
Additional children will receive £17.25 per week.
In 2023, 7.65 million families claimed Child Benefit.
If you’re due a benefit cheque on either of these days, you’ll be paid the previous day instead.
This is because neither the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) nor HMRC pays welfare on bank holidays.
Child Benefit is usually paid on a Monday or Tuesday but as it’s Easter, you’ll receive the cash this Thursday instead, the government says.
What benefits are being affected by the Easter bank holiday weekend?
Attendance Allowance
Carer’s Allowance
Child Benefit
Disability Living Allowance
Employment and Support Allowance
Income Support
Jobseeker’s Allowance
Pension Credit
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
State pension
Tax Credits
Universal Credit
Universal Credit will also be popped into your bank account a little earlier, too. Rather than this Friday or Monday, it’ll arrive on Thursday.
The same goes for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – a payment for people living with a long-term physical or mental health condition.
State Pension cheques are also expected to come early as they’re handled by DWP.
While money coming sooner rather than later is always a good thing, households should be aware that it means they will be waiting slightly longer for their next payment.
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