HMRC sending £104 into UK bank accounts before Easter | Personal Finance | Finance
UK families claiming Child Benefit will get a cash boost this month as new payment rates take effect – with some set to receive their money before Easter. Child Benefit is issued by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to eligible parents or guardians who are responsible for raising a child who is under the age of 16, or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training.
Only one person can claim the benefit for a child, but there is no limit on the number of children you can claim for. Child Benefit provides an allowance for each child, which is paid every four weeks, and will also give claimants National Insurance credits which count towards your State Pension. As of April 7, parents will get £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child and for any additional children, parents will get £17.25 per week. Under the new rates, parents with one child will get an extra £42.48 per year, while those with two children will be £15.60 better off.
Child Benefit is usually paid by HMRC every four weeks on either a Monday or a Tuesday, so parents with one child will get around £104.20 per month, while those with additional children will get £69 per month – but the payment dates change if it’s due on a bank holiday.
Two bank holidays fall in April due to Easter, on Friday 18 (Good Friday) and Monday 21 (Easter Monday). This means those who would normally receive their payment on a Monday, may be paid earlier than usual.
As such, if your payment is due on Monday 21 April, HMRC has confirmed that you will instead be paid four days early on Thursday, April 17.
HMRC said: “Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. There are different payment dates if it’s due on a bank holiday.
“You can work out when you’re next going to get Child Benefit by counting 4 weeks forward from your last payment. Do not count forward if your payment was due on a bank holiday – the dates are different.
“Your payment might be delayed if the bank is closed for a public holiday on the day HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) pays you. Check with your bank for the date you’ll get your payment.”
