HMRC Announces Early £174 Child Benefit Payments for UK Households on April 2
UK households are set to receive a welcome financial boost as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) brings forward Child Benefit payments by five days to April 2. This adjustment is due to the Easter bank holiday, with many families expected to receive up to £174 in surprise payments.
Payment Schedule Changes and Bank Holiday Adjustments
Child Benefit is typically paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. However, HMRC guidance specifies that payment dates shift if they fall on a bank holiday. For instance, if the due date is April 6, payments will be advanced to April 2. Households should note that delays can occur if banks are closed on public holidays, so it's advisable to check with your bank for exact crediting times.
HMRC advises: "Your Child Benefit payment is usually paid on a different date than usual if it’s due on a bank holiday. If the due date is 6 April, then payment will be brought forward to April 2."
Understanding Child Benefit Rates and Eligibility
There are two standard Child Benefit rates: £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, and £17.25 per week for each additional child. This means eligible households could receive approximately £174 on April 2, depending on the number of children. Payments can be made weekly for single parents or those receiving certain benefits like Income Support.
First-time claimants might experience a waiting period of up to 12 weeks, with payments backdated for up to three months. HMRC recommends checking your award notice to determine initial payment dates and counting forward four weeks for subsequent payments, excluding bank holiday adjustments.
How to Track Your Payments and Access Services
To verify payments, you can review your bank statements, where the reference will start with 'HMRC Child Benefit' and consist of 18 characters. Alternatively, use the online payment history service to view up to five previous payments. This requires signing in or creating an account if you don't already have one.
HMRC adds: "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’ll get it next."
This early payment initiative aims to provide financial relief during the Easter period, ensuring families have timely access to essential support.
