Claims due as child allowance payments deferred by HMRC

Hundreds of thousands of people could be entitled to compensation after child benefit payments were delayed due to a “technical issue” this week.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is responsible for paying the benefit, which can be claimed by parents or guardians of children and, in some cases, young adults. One parent per child can claim Child Benefit until the child turns 16 or until the child turns 20, provided that during this period they are in authorized education or training.

The new Child Benefit rates came into effect earlier this year and a parent or carer can claim £25.60 for the eldest or only child and £16.95 for each additional child, per week.

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HMRC said around 30% of payments due on Monday had not been made and would now arrive in bank accounts today (Wednesday 5 June). An estimated 500,000 payments were affected.

Anyone who hasn’t received their money as expected on Monday can also complain to HMRC if you’ve been left out of pocket because of a missed payment – for example, if a lack of funds has caused another payment to be rejected or you’ve entered discovery yourself account – you may be entitled to compensation.

HMRC said anyone who suffered a loss could “claim compensation”, as reported by the BBC. You can complain online, by phone or by post, and more information can be found here.

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