Throughout the year, there are a number of key dates parents should keep track of. Whether it’s benefits – including Child Benefit – being paid early or when the government will announce major financial changes, these are good to know.1. May – apply for free childcare If you have a child aged nine months to three years, you can now apply for 15 hours of free childcare from the government.Previously, only children aged three and above were entitled to free childcare.
2. 24 May – benefits paid early Claimants who are expecting benefits – including Child Benefit – on 27 May will receive their payment early this month. This is due to the second May bank holiday. The price cap affects the per unit cost of electricity as well as the daily standing charge – this means your bills can go up or down when the energy price cap changes.Experts think it could fall again in July, making it a good time to switch to a fixed-term energy tariff.
‘From September 2024, that 15 hours will be extended to all children from 9 months up, meaning a total of nearly one million parents will be eligible,’ Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt previously explained.It is thought it could go up this time around, but no one will know until closer to the time.