Child Benefit

counting4christmas

Hi all

I went BR yesterday and I have logged onto mynatwest bank account today to see if was frozen yet and have seen that my child benefit of £81.67 has been paid into, I've tried to call the OR but they must have left already, what will happen to this money? Have I got any chance of keeping it? I suspect not but if this was paid into my co op bank I would have been able to keep it as I said that was my day to day account. Grr!

Tupperware_Queen

my CB was paid into a frozen account...even when I gave them the new details in good time ggrrrr.

I eventually got it paid into the correct account, but it took 3 months - sorry, thats probably not what you wanted to hear :-(

ceejaydee23

Did you go to CB? direct or get the change sanctioned via Tax credits? As my change of bank account happened without a hitch! unfortunately doesn't help yourself.

Ineedaname

The OR will be aware that is benefit money due to you and if the account is frozen you can ask the OR to ask the bank to release that amount to you. If the account isn't frozen, go and withdraw the money quick and pay it into your Co-op account. I'm sure you won't get told off for doing that as it's money you are due and need.

Oh, and contact the relevant benefits office to check they've made the change for the next payment. I didn't have any problems with changing the bank account for my benefits, most did it over the phone and the next payment went in the new account.

BaldEagle

Ineedaname beat me to it. Was just about to say the same. Head off to the cash point as soon as you can and put the money into your Co-op account first thing tomorrow morning.

counting4christmas

Thanks - the account isn't frozen yet but I don't want to get in trouble for withdrawing it. I can still do a bank transfer online into my co op but I'd rather not annoy the OR before my telephone interview

Ineedaname

It's YOUR money and the OR will see that you have only taken what has been paid in, no more, no less. You won't get into trouble.

HOLIDAYMAD_2

i dont think accounts are physically frozen, as its the bank that says you can have the account or not, the term frozen i think is your not allowed to use it until the bank and OR aggrees.

I think what happens is information is in time rolled out to all banks etc and they prevent you having a account with them ie why people talk about the friendly banks for those who are a un or discharged BR .
CB is not a income its a benefit for those who have dependant children .

dojoman

No, if the bank freezes the account you will not be able to use it or access it. It is as good as closed. CB is still counted towards your income, as are all benefits.

debtinfo

dont worry its perfectly acceptable to take the CB benefit out on 2 conditions

1) the amount was paid in before bankruptcy and there is no overdraft.

or

2) the amount was paid in after bankruptcy

counting4christmas

Thanks - I hotfooted it to the cash machine and withdrew it along with £20 out of my coop account as I'm due to pay the Childminder £100 tomorrow and she always gives me a reciept so I can prove I didn't just spend it