Giro cheque payments (tax credits & CB)

cavalady

Good evening,

Please could anyone tell me how long a giro cheque payment takes to be sent for tax credits and child benefit? (As in, would it be received on the usual payment date or just before?)

Due to recent bankruptcy and address changes, we won't have a bank account to use by the time the above benefits are due to be paid. Our payment date for TC is Christmas day so will be paid Christmas eve, as it's a bank holiday but now it's being issued as a Giro cheque, will it be received before then so it can be cashed in time?

Many thanks for any advice you can give.

Horseunderwater

You should be able to open a basic bank account with any bank before that date and tell DWP or HMRC the new account number and sort code. You need ID like a passport - it should have nothing to do with where you live as such. You will have to be living somewhere - even if it still your current one. The address can be updated after you have opened the account - the important thing is getting the account opened now.

HappyMJ

You can also get the benefits office that pays you your allowance to put it into any account in anyone's name. It does not have to be paid into your account. You then go to the person you trust and ask them to withdraw it from their account and give it to you.