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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Levi Winchester & Katie Williams

Child benefit and tax credit claimants have one day left to update payments or risk money stopping

Benefit claimants have just one day left to update their payments if they have a Post Office card account.

As the Mirror reports, a huge change means that you will no longer be able to get your tax credits, Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance paid into Post Office card accounts after April 5.

HMRC will temporarily put your money on hold if you don't update your payments by this date and will continue to do so until you contact them.

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Those who have Post Office card accounts can choose to receive their HMRC benefits into a bank, building society or credit union account.

When HMRC issued an update in mid-March, there were still around 6,800 people getting these benefits paid into Post Office card accounts.

On April 6, HMRC will stop making these payments into Post Office card accounts. This comes after the major change was due to come into force from November 30 last year but was extended to 2022.

As explained by the Mirror, here's what you need to know.

What do I need to do next?

You can contact HMRC to let them know your new details if you already have another bank account set up and your benefit payments will then be sent to this account instead of your Post Office card account.

If you need to set up a new bank account, you should let HMRC know your new details as soon as your new account is up and running.

The amount you receive in benefits and your payment date from HMRC won't be affected by these changes.

You can update your Personal Tax Account or Child Benefit account online at Gov.uk or by calling 0300 200 3100.

Anyone getting tax credits can change their account details online via Gov.uk by calling the tax credits helpline on 0345 300 3900.

What about DWP payments like Universal Credit?

Post Office card accounts are also closing for those who receive benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), including those who receive Universal Credit, the state pension or other DWP benefits.

However, you will have longer to redirect the payments as the deadline to arrange a new payment is November 30, 2022.

For those who claim benefits from the DWP and who don't want to open a bank account, you'll be able to use the Payment Exception Service.

The Payment Exception service allows you to withdraw your cash either by using a payment card, voucher by email, or text message containing a unique reference number.

Either of these methods must be presented at a PayPoint outlet, which are in shops and newsagents, in order to access your benefits.

If you don't update the DWP with your new details by next November, you'll automatically be moved onto the Payment Exception Service.

The Payment Exception Service is for DWP benefit claimants only and is not available to those who receive HMRC benefits.

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