As families across the UK head into the final month of the year, December becomes one of the most financially demanding periods. With Christmas spending, rising food prices, winter clothing needs, and higher energy bills, parents rely heavily on the timely arrival of Child Benefit to support their household finances.

The good news is that HMRC has now confirmed the Child Benefit payment schedule for December 2026, including the impact of Christmas and New Year bank holidays. Because several holidays fall during the final week of the month, some families will receive their payments earlier than usual.

This comprehensive guide explains:

• December 2026 Child Benefit payment dates

• Who will be paid early

• How banking holidays affect deposits

• What families can expect heading into January 2027

• Eligibility reminders and rate updates

• How to avoid delays during the busiest financial month of the year

Let’s break down everything parents need to know.

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⭐ Why Child Benefit Payments Change in December

Child Benefit is usually paid every four weeks, but unlike Universal Credit or State Pension (paid by DWP), Child Benefit is managed by HMRC.
Although the benefit amount doesn’t change, payment dates may shift if they fall on bank holidays.

In December 2026, families are affected by:

• Christmas Day – Friday, 25 December 2026

• Boxing Day (substitute bank holiday) – Monday, 28 December 2026

• New Year’s Day – Thursday, 1 January 2027

Because banks do not process payments on these days, HMRC issues the payments earlier.

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⭐ December 2026 Child Benefit Payment Dates (Confirmed)

Child Benefit has two standard payment schedules:

• Monday payments

• Tuesday payments

Below is the confirmed December 2026 schedule.

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✔ If your usual payment date is Friday, 25 December 2026

➡ You will be paid early on Wednesday, 23 December 2026

✔ If your usual payment date is Monday, 28 December 2026 (Boxing Day substitute holiday)

➡ You will be paid on Friday, 23 December 2026

✔ If your usual payment date is Tuesday, 29 December 2026

➡ Paid as normal

✔ If your usual payment date is Thursday, 1 January 2027 (New Year’s Day)

➡ You will be paid early on Wednesday, 31 December 2026

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⭐ Child Benefit December 2026 – Full Schedule Overview

✅ Most parents will receive their December 2026 payment on 23 December, just before Christmas.

This provides families with critical funds during the holiday period.

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⭐ Will the Child Benefit Amount Increase in December?

❌ No — Child Benefit amounts remain the same in December 2026.

The benefit is adjusted every April, not December.

The current yearly rates (2026–2027 estimates) are:

• Eldest or only child: £25.60 per week

• Each additional child: £16.95 per week

These rates are not expected to change until April 2027, when inflation-based uplifts may apply.

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⭐ What About the High-Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC)?

Parents earning over £50,000 per year must repay some or all of their Child Benefit via Self Assessment.
This remains unchanged for December but may apply during the:

• April 2027 tax year

• January 2027 Self Assessment deadline

Parents should ensure they track their income for 2026–2027 to avoid unexpected repayments.

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⭐ Why Some Families May Receive Extra Payments in December 2026

Although there is no universal “Christmas bonus,” some families may still receive additional support in December due to:

✔ Backdated Child Benefit claims

✔ Late registration of a new baby

✔ Corrected HMRC payments

✔ Relationship status updates

✔ Changes in shared custody status

✔ Multiple children added to the claim

✔ Arrears from previous months

For example:

• If a baby was born and registered in November or early December

• If HMRC processed a late claim

• If an error in your previous payments was corrected

Families can receive a larger-than-normal December deposit.

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⭐ When Will Child Benefit Arrive into Your Bank Account?

Deposits appear under:

“HMRC Child Benefit”

Depending on your bank, early payments may show as:

• Pending the day before

• Released early morning

• Available by 8am on the payment date

Banks known for early releases include:

• Santander

• NatWest

• Barclays

• HSBC

• Nationwide

• Lloyds

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⭐ How to Avoid Child Benefit Delays in December

Because December is the busiest banking month of the year, delays can occur.
To avoid issues:

✔ Ensure bank details are up to date

✔ Respond promptly to HMRC letters

✔ Keep your address updated

✔ Register newborns as soon as possible

✔ Submit any claim changes early

✔ Check for pending payments in your banking app

If your payment is missing after 6pm on the expected date, contact HMRC.

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⭐ Child Benefit Eligibility Reminder (For 2026)

To qualify, a parent or guardian must be responsible for a child who is:

• Under 16, or

• Under 20 and in approved full-time education/training

Eligibility may end if:

• A child leaves education early

• A child starts work

• Relationship status changes

• Custody changes

Always report changes within 1 month.

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⭐ What to Expect for January 2027

Because New Year’s Day is a bank holiday:

✔ Payments due on 1 January 2027 arrive early on 31 December 2026

The next regular payment after that follows your usual schedule.

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⭐ Final Summary — Child Benefit December 2026

Here’s everything parents need to know:

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✔ Most Child Benefit payments will arrive early on 23 December 2026

✔ Payments due on 1 January will be paid on 31 December 2026

✔ Payment amounts remain unchanged (no Christmas increase)

✔ Some parents may receive extra support through arrears

✔ HMRC early payment rules prevent all late or missed deposits

✔ Always update your details to avoid delays

✔ January 2027 payments also follow a modified schedule

December remains a crucial month for families, and understanding your updated payment timetable ensures proper budgeting ahead of Christmas and the new year.

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Meta Title

Child Benefit December 2026: Early Payments & Christmas Schedule

Meta Description

Child Benefit December 2026 payments confirmed. See early Christmas payment dates, eligibility reminders, New Year changes, and what families should expect before January 2027.

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FAQs — Child Benefit December 2026

1. Will Child Benefit be paid early in December 2026?

Yes. Payments due on 25–28 December will be paid early on 23 December 2026.

2. Will my Child Benefit amount increase?

No. Rates remain the same until April 2027.

3. What if my payment is due on New Year’s Day?

You will receive it early on 31 December 2026.

4. Why might I receive a larger payment in December?

You may have arrears, a new child added to your claim, or a late claim processed.

5. What if my Child Benefit doesn’t arrive?

Check your bank first, then contact HMRC if not received by the end of the payment day.