UK Residents Shocked by £104 Early Bank Deposit: In April 2025, thousands of UK residents were pleasantly surprised to discover an early £104 bank deposit in their accounts. This unexpected payment raised questions across households, especially among those receiving Child Benefit. As it turns out, this early deposit is a result of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) adjusting payment schedules due to the Easter bank holidays.
For families who rely on monthly Child Benefit payments to help cover household expenses, early deposits can come as both a relief and a confusion. If you’ve received this payment or are wondering whether you qualify for future ones, this article offers a detailed, step-by-step breakdown.
UK Residents Shocked by £104 Early Bank Deposit
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Type | Child Benefit |
| Amount Received | £104.20 (for one child); more if multiple children are eligible |
| Reason for Early Deposit | Adjustment for Easter holidays (Good Friday and Easter Monday) |
| New Payment Date | Thursday, April 17, 2025 |
| Standard Payment Schedule | Every four weeks, usually Monday or Tuesday |
| Administered By | HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) |
| Eligibility | Responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if in approved education or training) |
| Apply or Update Details | https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit |
The £104 early bank deposit in April 2025 was not a government bonus, but rather an adjusted Child Benefit payment issued before the Easter weekend. It underscores HMRC’s commitment to ensuring families receive support without disruption. If you’re eligible and haven’t yet applied, now is a great time to do so. For more information or to manage your claim, visit the official Child Benefit page.
What Is the £104 Child Benefit Payment?
The £104 payment is the standard monthly Child Benefit amount received by families with one eligible child. The weekly rate, as of the 2025 financial year (effective from April 7), is:
- £26.05 for the eldest or only child
- £17.25 for each additional child
Child Benefit is a non-means-tested benefit, meaning that nearly every UK resident with a qualifying child is entitled to receive it, regardless of income. However, if one parent earns more than £50,000 per year, a High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge (HICBC) may apply.
For one child, the monthly total equates to £104.20. Families with two or more children receive more, depending on the number of children claimed for.
Why Was the Payment Made Early in April 2025?
Typically, Child Benefit is paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. However, in April 2025, Good Friday (April 18) and Easter Monday (April 21) are bank holidays in the UK. Since these holidays fall just before and after the weekend, standard payments scheduled around this time would have been delayed if not adjusted.
To avoid any inconvenience to families, HMRC rescheduled the payment to Thursday, April 17, so beneficiaries had access to the funds before the long weekend. This proactive move ensures continuity and reflects the department’s effort to support families.
Who Is Eligible for Child Benefit?
You can claim Child Benefit if you:
- Are responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they’re in approved education or training
- Live in the UK
- Are not already being paid Child Benefit for the same child by someone else
Child Benefit is not affected by savings or income (though, as noted, High Income Tax Charge may apply above £50,000 annual income).
If you are a new parent, you can apply as soon as your child is registered. It’s worth applying even if you choose not to receive the payments, as it helps you accrue National Insurance credits for your State Pension and confirms your child is registered in the system. You can apply or update your claim online at the official GOV.UK Child Benefit page.
Payment Amounts Based on Number of Children
| Number of Children | Monthly Total |
|---|---|
| 1 | £104.20 |
| 2 | £104.20 + £69.00 = £173.20 |
| 3 | £104.20 + £138.00 = £242.20 |
Note: £69 is calculated from 4 weeks of £17.25 for each additional child.
If your children live in different households or custody is shared, you may need to coordinate with HMRC on who should receive the payment.
UK Residents Shocked by £104 Early Bank Deposit Apply for Child Benefit
UK Residents Shocked by £104 Early Bank Deposit Guide:
- Register Your Child’s Birth (or arrival if adopted)
- Download the Child Benefit Claim Form (CH2) from GOV.UK
- Fill the Form with all necessary details
- Post the Form to the Child Benefit Office
- You can find the address on the form or official site
- You’ll receive a letter confirming your claim once it’s processed (usually within 6–12 weeks).
Managing Your Payments
You can manage your Child Benefit via your Personal Tax Account at www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account. From there, you can:
- Update your bank details
- Add a child to your claim
- Stop payments if no longer eligible
- Check your payment history and schedule
- Always keep your details up to date to avoid payment delays.
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Real-Life Scenarios
Example 1: One-Child Household
Anna is a single parent with one child aged 10. She received a £104.20 payment on April 17 instead of April 21. Since she has no income over £50,000, she keeps the full amount with no tax.
Example 2: Two-Children Family with High Earner
Michael and Sophie have two children. Michael earns £52,000 annually. They receive £173.20 monthly, but must repay some via the High Income Child Benefit Charge, which is calculated through Michael’s self-assessment tax return.
What If You Didn’t Receive the Payment?
If you expected the £104 payment and didn’t receive it:
- Double-check your bank details via your personal tax account
- Contact HMRC at 0300 200 3100 or visit contact page
- Wait 3–5 working days before raising a complaint, especially during holiday periods
Payments made before weekends or bank holidays can sometimes take longer to reflect.
FAQs On UK Residents Shocked by £104 Early Bank Deposit
Q1: Is the £104 payment a bonus?
A1: No, it’s a regular Child Benefit payment issued earlier due to the Easter holidays.
Q2: Do I need to reapply each year?
A2: No, your Child Benefit continues automatically until your child turns 16 (or 20 if in education). Update HMRC with any changes.
Q3: Is Child Benefit taxable?
A3: Not directly. However, if you or your partner earn over £50,000, you’ll pay a High Income Child Benefit Charge through tax return.
Q4: Can I claim for stepchildren or adopted children?
A4: Yes, as long as you are responsible for them and meet other eligibility requirements.
Q5: Will all future payments be early too?
A5: Only if the scheduled date falls on a bank holiday or weekend.
