Parents and guardians of children across the UK have seen their child benefit payment arrive in their account early this month, and at a lower amount.
Most were expecting the payment to arrive on Monday May 30, but received it three days early on Friday 27 instead. As the cost of living crisis leaves families counting every pound, this has caused major concern for many.
Here’s what you need to know about child benefit, and why you shouldn’t worry about the lower than usual payment.
Why has my child benefit been reduced?
HMRC has announced on its website that people who had expected to receive their child benefit payment on Monday May 30, will receive at least part of the amount early. Most people have received one week’s worth of payment early, but will receive the other three weeks’ worth on Monday.
An HMRC spokesperson said the changes are “nothing to worry about” and are an administrative adjustment to make sure people get the correct payments over the upcoming bank holiday weekend for the Queen’s Jubilee.
“In short, it’s just processes and working them around the bank holidays, and nothing for customers to worry about,” they said. “We usually process payments for customers on Thursday and Fridays for the following Monday and Tuesday. Of course this isn’t possible because of the bank holidays falling on these two dates next week.