How long does it take to receive first child benefit payment?

rainbow_fountains

My baby is 15 weeks old, we had a long hospital stay so I only applied for child benefit (online) 2 weeks ago, they only backdate it 3 months but I believe the clock starts the day the birth is registered, not the birthdate? Is that right?

I got a text from HMRC confirming they’d received my application, and today I loggedin online and saw I had been approved and had a proof of entitlement, and I checked all bank details etc are correct.

But how long does it take to receive the first payment? How long did yours take? I googled it and citizens advise said first payment could be as quick as 3 days? Also how often is it paid? Thanks

poppy12345

It will be paid as a BACS payment, which takes 3-5 working days to go into your bank once payment is made. CB is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Monday. 

mark_cycling00

I think it's backdated up to child's birth. But you are advised to apply after registration of child so that an official record exists that has birth date etc.

Also there's something stupid like if you're child is born on Tuesday you don't get any cash for the first 6 days of life. 

Paid every 4 weeks not monthly  

That's my understanding. Hope others can help too

itsthelittlethings

I don’t know about child benefit but just wanted to say congratulations and I hope you’re both well now!

Baileys_Babe

Child benefit can be paid on a Monday or Tuesday.