Nearly 600,000 Child Benefit claimants can get extra cash due to delayed payments
HMRC says it will compensate all those affected by the issue with a £50 payment - but the amount you get could vary based on certain conditions
Child Benefit claimants have been caught in a financial muddle after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reached out regarding delayed payments due to a "processing error" that affected approximately 577,000 individuals.
Those left out of pocket can breathe a sigh of relief as the money will automatically be paid back.
MoneySavingExpert has highlighted that HMRC is offering up to £50 compensation for the inconvenience caused, subject to an evaluation of the claimant's vulnerability, the extent of the impact, and the duration of the issue.
In addition to this, HMRC has committed to reimbursing any costs incurred because of the error, such as charges from an unauthorised overdraft or failed direct debit fees.
While there's no cut-off date to submit a complaint, HMRC is keen for those affected to come forward promptly.
The debacle surfaced when Martin Lewis, the personal finance expert, conducted a social media survey revealing that many had been approached by HMRC about compensation, with the department requesting proof before disbursing funds. A staggering 76% of the 8,000 participants in the poll on X disclosed they had not received their child benefit, although the full scope of the shortfall remains unclear.
A spokesperson for HMRC expressed their regret, stating: "We are very sorry that some customers did not receive their scheduled Child Benefit payments as expected and we understand the concern and difficulty this may have caused."
Furthermore, they assured: "We have now fixed the problem and are putting measures in place to prevent this from happening again."
How to make a complaint to HMRC over missing Child Benefit
Online
In order to file a complaint with HMRC, you can use this form on gov.uk but you will need to have your Government Gateway ID login details. You can then do the following:
- Press 'make a new complaint'.
- Explain what your complaint is about
- Press 'yes' when asked if you know what HMRC can do to compensate you
- Press 'yes' where it asks if you need extra help
- Give your contact details
- Read over everything you've done then confirm it is correct by pressing 'save and continue'
Once this has been completed, you should get a reply within 15 days.
Mobile phone
You can speak directly with HMRC by dialling 0300 200 3100 between 8am and 5pm on Monday to Friday. It's important to note it may take longer for your problem to be resolved this way.
Post
On the top of an envelope, include the word 'complaint' and address it to:
HM Revenue and Customs — Child Benefit Office
PO Box 1
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE88 1AA
United Kingdom
Your letter must also include the following:
- your National Insurance number
- your full name, address and telephone number
- details of what happened and when
- any reference numbers you’ve been given
- how you’d like your complaint settled
- the word ‘complaint’ at the top of your letter
