16 September 2014

HMRC telephone lines for tax credits and child benefit

HMRC's telephone helplines for tax credits and for child benefit seem to be exceptionally busy at the moment. We are waiting for HMRC to update us about the situation but in the meantime callers should be aware that they may experience difficulty getting through on any of HMRC's tax credits and child benefit telephone lines, including those for intermediaries. 

There is a message on HMRC's tax credits helpline which explains that claimants who have already notified HMRC about a 16 or 17 year old, included in their claim, who is staying on in non-advanced education or approved training can expect their updated payments to re-start shortly and also to expect a fresh award notice shortly. Unfortunately we have no further information at this time about why there may be a delay with these awards or how long claimants have to wait to hear about their payments but we will provide an update if we learn more.

Callers who struggle to get through on the phone can write to HMRC instead. If using this option, we recommend they keep a copy of their letter and a record of posting.You should also be aware that any notifications sent through the post can take longer to process by HMRC than notifications by telephone.

Some callers may have been advised that there is a special helpline for members of the clergy. This is not the case and is an incorrect message. Members of the clergy should use the standard HMRC helplines unless specifically advised by HMRC to call a different number.