Child Benefit Payment Delays Leave Thousands of Parents Out of Pocket
Thousands of Parents Affected
HMRC has confirmed that child benefit payments have been delayed, leaving thousands of parents without crucial financial support. The tax authority is aware of issues with the system responsible for transferring funds directly to bank accounts and is actively working to resolve the problem.
Importance of Child Benefit
Child benefit provides essential income support for families, with payments of £25.60 per week for the eldest or only child and £16.95 per week for additional children. Over 7.65 million households in the UK rely on these payments. Typically, child benefit is disbursed every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday, but single parents and recipients of certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, can opt for weekly payments.
Public Reaction and Social Media Outcry
Thousands of parents took to social media on June 3rd to report that they had not received their expected payments. One parent posted on X (formerly Twitter):
"Can we at least be informed when child benefit will be paid for the ones now in overdraft due to bills!”
Another wrote
“Child benefit hasn’t gone in. Seeing some kids unable to get to school because of no bus fare and others with no money for food. Miss that one tiny payment, and we’re all f****.”
An HMRC spokesperson stated
“We are aware some customers’ child benefit payments have not arrived, and we are working to resolve the issue.”
Scope of the Problem
The exact number of affected households remains unclear. However, HMRC has been inundated with complaints from frustrated parents on social media. A poll conducted by Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, indicated that around 80% of respondents experienced the delay. Lewis posted on X:
“It’s early, but currently, it looks like 80% of people expecting child benefit payments this morning haven’t got it.”
What to Do If Your Payment Is Delayed
Parents who have not received their payments are advised to contact HMRC on 0300 200 3100 for further information on when they might expect their money.
Understanding Child Benefit
Child benefit helps parents cover the costs of raising children. Payments are made at two rates: £25.60 per week for the eldest or only child, and £16.95 per week for each additional child. Besides financial support, claiming child benefit for a child under 12 entitles parents to National Insurance (NI) credits, which count towards their State Pension. These credits are crucial, as 35 NIC years are required for a full new State Pension.
Eligibility for child benefit depends on living with and financially supporting a child, though this changes if the child goes into hospital or care, or starts living with someone else.
High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC)
Since 2013, high earners have been required to repay some or all of their child benefit through the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). The repayment threshold has recently increased from £50,000 to £60,000, and the threshold for full repayment has risen from £60,000 to £80,000. It is the individual’s responsibility to pay this charge, and failing to do so can result in a significant bill.
