Raising children comes with its challenges — not least managing household finances. We Offer offer a dedicated Child Benefit Hub for its members, designed to help you understand and make the most of Child Benefit payments. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Child Benefit?

Child Benefit is a government payment intended to help with the costs of raising children. 

• It’s available for children under 16, or up to 20 years old if they’re in approved, full-time education or unpaid training.

• Payments can be made weekly or every four weeks, depending on your circumstances.

How Are Child Benefit Payments Handled by DCB?

If you are a member with us, there are a few things to be aware of:

1. Payment Timing

   • HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) typically sends Child Benefit payments on a Monday.

   • For DCB  members, these payments usually show up in the account on Monday or Tuesday, though bank holidays can delay arrival until the next working day. 

2. Managing Your Payments

   • You can receive your Child Benefit directly into your DCB account.

   • DCB offers guidance on managing and budgeting these payments. You can also use your Child Benefit to support family loans, making it easier to plan and repay. 

What Happens When Your Child Turns 16?

• If your child is turning 16, you may still be eligible for Child Benefit — especially if they continue in approved education or training. 

• Respond promptly to any letters from HMRC. This helps to avoid any disruption in payments. 

• To check your eligibility at 16+, we link to the GOV.UK guidance: Child Benefit when your child turns 16. 

Getting Started With Child Benefit

• You can apply for Child Benefit online or by post via the HMRC service. 

• If you’re not yet a member but want to have your Child Benefit paid into an account (or need help opening one), you can contact us for support. 

• There’s also a helpful link to our Family Loans page, which ties into Child Benefit payments here - https://www.dcbank.org.uk/loan/familyloan/

Tips for Parents

We offer several practical pointers for managing Child Benefit effectively:

• Always respond to HMRC letters promptly to avoid missing payments.

• Consider using your Child Benefit to build a savings buffer or to help with loan repayments.

• Be aware of bank holidays, as they can affect when payments arrive. 

Need Help or More Information?

If anything is unclear or you need personal support, we encourage you to reach out:

• Phone: 01332 348144

• Email: info@dcbank.org.uk