HMRC has confirmed child benefit payments have been delayed due to a digital issue.
The tax office – which is in charge of the benefit payments – confirmed this morning that there had been issues with the system that sends the money to bank accounts. Over 7.5million households claim Child Benefits and usually, it is paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday.
“We’re sorry that some customers’ Child Benefit payments have not arrived as scheduled and we are working urgently to resolve the issue. There’s no need for customers to call us and we will provide updates here as soon as they are available.”
This morning’s issue seems to have affected a high number of payments – although no figure has been confirmed – as many took to social media to pour out their frustration on the delay. Some report issues arising on Friday last week.
Child benefit is granted to those responsible for raising a child who is under 16, or 20 if they remain in approved education or training. Only one individual can claim child benefits for a child, however, there’s no limit to how many children you can claim for.
”One parent said: “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 fucked. That’s how poor they keep us.” Another parent asked the tax department: “Can we at least be informed when child benefit will be paid for the ones now in overdraft due to bills!”
Another said: “Mine goes in every Monday without fail, it’s due date and nothing there, usually in just after midnight but here we are after 8 am and nothing so there is an issue somewhere.”
One said: “There must be an issue, for so many people to still not have received it! Ours is due today and still nothing.”
Many parents answered a poll by Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, with around 80% of those saying they had experienced the delay. Posting on X, Martin said: “It’s early, but currently, it looks like 80% of people expecting child benefit payments this morning haven’t got it.”
