Samantha Smith
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has notified families that Child Benefit payments for August 2025 may arrive on a different date than usual.
The reason is the upcoming bank holiday on Monday, August 25, 2025, during which the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) does not process payments.
Why Are Child Benefit Payments Arriving Early?
Because Monday, August 25, 2025, is a UK bank holiday, any Child Benefit or DWP payments scheduled for that day will be processed in advance. Most recipients can expect their payments to arrive on Friday, August 22 instead.
However, if your payment is not scheduled for August 25, it will be delivered as normal, and the amount will not change.
Who Qualifies for Child Benefit?
You can claim Child Benefit if you’re responsible for raising a child who is:
- Under 16 years old, or
- Under 20 and continuing in approved education or training
Only one person can claim per child, but there is no limit on the number of children you can claim for — the two-child cap does not apply here.
Extra Benefits of Claiming Child Benefit
In addition to monthly payments, claiming Child Benefit provides access to valuable long-term advantages, such as:
- National Insurance credits that contribute towards your State Pension
- A National Insurance number automatically assigned to your child, typically before they turn 16
Important Deadline for Parents of 16–19-Year-Olds
Parents whose child is turning 16 this year and plans to continue their education or training need to act now. If you don’t extend your Child Benefit claim before August 31, 2025, payments will automatically stop once the child turns 16.
If you’re eligible and respond in time, you could receive up to £1,354 annually in continued support.
HMRC Reminder: Child Trust Fund Access
Teenagers who turn 16 years old can now take control of their Child Trust Fund (CTF) accounts, originally set up for those born between September 1, 2002, and January 2, 2011.
- Funds can be accessed in full once they turn 18
- If you or your teen knows the CTF provider, contact them directly
- If not, use the free tool on GOV.UK to locate the account
Child Benefit Payment Dates Over Bank Holidays
When a Child Benefit payment date coincides with a bank holiday or weekend, the DWP typically pays it early, on the preceding working day. In August 2025, this means:
| Original Payment Date | Updated Payment Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, August 25, 2025 | Friday, August 22, 2025 | Bank Holiday (UK-wide) |
Although the payment amount remains unchanged, families should budget carefully, as this earlier payment may need to last longer than usual.
Remaining 2025 Bank Holidays to Watch
Following August, the final two bank holidays for 2025 are:
- Christmas Day – December 25
- Boxing Day – December 26
The August 2025 Child Benefit payment schedule is shifting slightly due to the bank holiday on August 25. Eligible families should expect to receive their payments early, by August 22, allowing them to maintain their monthly budgeting.
It’s also a crucial time for parents of older children to extend their claims and ensure uninterrupted support. Additionally, teens turning 16 should check their Child Trust Fund access — a potentially valuable asset waiting for them.
FAQs
Will my Child Benefit payment be delayed in August 2025?
No, payments scheduled for August 25 will be made earlier, on Friday, August 22, due to the bank holiday.
What if I don’t apply to extend Child Benefit for my 16-year-old?
If you don’t apply by August 31, 2025, the payments will automatically stop after your child’s 16th birthday unless they continue in education or training.
How can I find my child’s Child Trust Fund provider?
You can use the free online tool on GOV.UK if you’re unsure who manages your child’s Child Trust Fund account.