Parents are slamming HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as an "absolute disgrace" after thousands of families have reportedly been left without child benefit payments this morning.
Many Britons are reportedly experiencing a delay in getting their expected child benefit, which is paid every four weeks on either a Monday or a Tuesday.
Taking to social media, parents and guardians criticised the payment delay and called for answers from HMRC.
One X, formerly Twitter, user said: "What an absolute disgrace You have had since Friday to solve this child benefit payment issue, but everyone kept getting the same generic message to wait till today. Millions of kids off school and not fed today due to your incompetence."
Another asked HMRC: "Can you please explain why thousands of people haven't received their child benefit today? Me being one of them. You've left so many people in trouble, and before you say it no, it isn't the banks fault!
An HMRC spokesperson said: “We are aware some customers’ Child Benefit payments have not arrived and we are working to resolve the issue.” GB News has contacted HMRC for comment.
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Child Benefit can be claimed from the day after a child's birth has been registered GETTYFinancial journalist Martin Lewis took a poll of parents and guardians on X, which thousands participated in, to determine how many people have been impacted by this HMRC issue.
Lewis said: "Its early but currently it looks like 80 per cent of people expecting child benefit payments this morning haven't got it.
"I'm on a train, but have spoken to my team and asked them to contact the govt to find out what's happening and what people should do. Updates here when I have them."
It should be noted that there has been no official confirmation as to how many households have not been paid child benefit this morning.
However, the founder of MoneySavingExpert.com's poll suggests that thousands of families are likely to have been impacted.
Those impacted by this ongoing payment delay can contact HMRC directly through the tax authority's child benefit helpline on 0300 200 3100, which is open from 8am to 6pm today.
Claimants will need to have their National Insurance number on hand when enquiring about their payments.
Furthermore, HMRC can only discuss their claim with the claimant or someone you have authorised as your representative
What is child benefit?
This is a payment which is paid to parents or guardians to cover the costs of childcare.
Those in receipt of childcare get paid two weekly rates of £25.60 for the oldest or only child, and £16.95 for any extra children.
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Thousands of households are reportedly still waiting for child benefit payments from HMRC
GETTYThis payment is considered a vital lifeline to those wanting to claim the full new state pension in retirement.
Recipients of child benefit get National Insurance contributions automatically if they get child benefit and their child is under 12 years old.
If a family splits up, they claim £25.60 a week for the eldest child. However, if a claimant has two children and one stays with them and the other stays with their ex-partner, they will both get £25.60 a week for each child.
Only one partner can claim child benefit for the one children. If they have other children entitled to the benefit, they will receive £16.95 per child.