Money Box Suspended child benefit and the cost of school trips
Dec 6, 2025
Eimear Devlin, a dedicated reporter investigating child benefit issues, joins Dan Whitworth, who shares insights on the rising costs of school trips. Together, they explore the fallout from HMRC's suspension of child benefits affecting thousands due to holiday data errors. Dara Hughes, a Sinn Féin MP, highlights the severe impacts on families and the political implications. Charlotte Harding offers practical advice for schools to support parents with trip expenses as financial pressures rise. Conversations also touch on potential changes to council tax and protections for domestic violence victims.
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Travel Data Caused Mass Child Benefit Errors
- HMRC used international travel data to suspend 23,500 child benefit claims, often misidentifying short holidays as permanent moves.
- HMRC will review all past cases using PAYE data and aim to reinstate payments where UK employment continues.
Five‑Day Holiday Triggered Benefit Suspension
- Eve received a letter saying her 13‑year‑old's child benefit was stopped after a five‑day trip to New York and was asked for extensive proof of return.
- After contacting HMRC again her benefit was reinstated and backdated without sending the requested documents.
Call HMRC Immediately If Contacted
- If you get a letter about travel and child benefit, call the number on it straight away to check your payments.
- Also verify your child benefit hasn't been stopped if you've been abroad recently.