Child Benefit payment dates

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When you get paid

Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday.

There are different payment dates if it鈥檚 due on a bank holiday.

You can get Child Benefit paid weekly if 测辞耻鈥檙别 a single parent or if you or your partner are getting certain benefits, such as Income Support.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Your first payment

Check your award notice to find out when your first payment is due. You can count forward 4 weeks from this date to work out when you鈥檒l get it next.

You might not get your first payment for 12 weeks (it can be longer if you鈥檝e just moved to the UK). It will be backdated for up to 3 months.

Working out your next payment

You can work out when 测辞耻鈥檙别 next going to get Child Benefit by counting 4 weeks forward from your last payment. Do not count forward if your payment was due on a bank holiday - the dates are different.

Find out when you last got paid

You can either:

  • check your bank statement - the payment reference will begin with 鈥�HMRC Child Benefit鈥� and is made up of 18 characters
  • and see up to 5 previous payments

You鈥檒l need to sign in to use this service. If you do not already have sign in details, you鈥檒l be able to create them.

You鈥檒l be told when you sign in if you need to prove your identity. This is to keep your details safe and usually involves using photo ID like a passport or driving licence.

If you have not got your payment

Check your payment date and contact your bank before calling the Child Benefit Office if a payment is late.

Your payments may have stopped because:

  • you have not told the Child Benefit Office your bank has changed or about your child鈥檚 education plans after they turn 16
  • you have not replied to a letter from the Child Benefit Office
  • your child now lives with someone else
  • 测辞耻鈥檙别 no longer eligible to claim Child Benefit

Report changes of circumstances to make sure your payments are correct.