DWP announces child benefit changes for millions in May

Changes which will affect millions of people claiming child benefit have been confirmed next month. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed child benefit changes will take place in May.

The changes are being announced due to the fact there are two bank holidays in May, on Monday, May 6 and Monday, May 27. It means there will be changes to when some benefits and support payments from the DWP and HMRC are sent out.

On these dates payments will not be processed as normal and job centres and helplines will also be closed. To get the latest money stories straight to your inbox twice a week sign up to our newsletter here.

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The changes will make a big difference for families who claim child benefit, many of whom will receive their money on a different date to normal. Around 7.7 million people were claiming child benefit in the UK as of August 2022, including 350,000 in Wales.

The changes in May mean that if you are due to receive child benefit on Monday, May 6, you will receive your money on Friday, May 3 instead. If you are due to get your benefits on Monday, May 27, you'll be paid on Friday, May 24 instead.

If you're due to get your money on a different day, you'll still get it as normal and the amount you are due to be paid will remain the same. The changes will be applied automatically and you don't have to do anything to get your money.

However, while this means you'll get your money slightly earlier, it does mean you will have to wait longer until your next payment and you'll have to make your money last longer as a result.

You can get child benefit if you’re responsible for bringing up a child under 16, or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training. Only one person can get child benefit for a child but there is no limit to how many children you can claim for. If you qualify for child benefit, you'll geta an allowance for each child, usually paid monthly, National Insurance credits that qualify towards your state pension and an NI number for your child without them having to apply for one.

Child benefit recently increased as part of a 6.7% uplift to benefits implemented by the DWP in April 2024. The current rates of child benefit are now as follows (weekly amounts shown but child benefit is usually paid monthly):

• Eldest or only child - £25.60

• Additional children - £16.95 per child