Four money changes for parents in July and August you need to know – including benefit payment date change

PARENTS are in for some changes that could affect their finances over the summer months.

From key deadlines to rule changes – here’s what mums and dads need to know.

1

Tax credits deadline

Anyone getting tax credits should check if they need to renew their claim.

There are two types of tax credits – working tax and child tax credit.

Universal Credit has replaced both these for new claimants, but many have not yet made the switch over to the newer benefit and around 2.5million claimants getting tax credits.

Each year a claim for tax credits must be renewed, otherwise the benefit could be stopped, and you could even have to pay money back.

The deadline for renewals in July 31 and parents getting tax credits should have been sent a renewal pack in the post.

Check out our guide to renewing tax credits and what to do if you haven’t got a pack.

Free school meals

Thousands of parents benefit from free school meals each year.

In term time these are sorted through schools – but what about in the holidays?

With hungry mouths to feed for six weeks, parents should check with their local council what extra support is available.

Local authorities have been given a £500million post of cash through the Household Support Fund.

And many are using that cash to continue offering help through the holidays to those on free school meals.

This is usually in the form of supermarket vouchers, but the exact help you can get depends on where you live.

Here’s more on how to claim free school meals outside of term time.

Child benefit payment date change

Some parents will see the date change for child benefit payments in August.

Child Benefit is usually paid on Monday or Tuesday, usually each month but some get it weekly.

If you’re usually paid on a Monday your payment could be affected.

There’s a bank holiday on August 29 so if your payment date is the same you should see the cash in you bank account earlier.

Payments are usually made on the last working day before the bank holiday weekend – so Friday, August 26.

Cheaper school uniform

From the start of the new school year, parents should no longer have to buy pricier school uniforms under new rules.

Guidance on school uniform policies means families should have the options to buy cheaper high street outfits and second-hand uniform.

Some school uniform policies were found to be costing families unnecessary amounts.

The new rules mean you should not be forced to buy pricier items, though this does depend on the policy of each school.

Here’s what you need to know about the change.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk