The Martin Lewis Podcast Question Time: Can I back-claim Child Benefit? Change broadband before April? Why does my 7% regular saver only pay 4%?
Mar 9, 2026
Listeners get quick answers on whether to switch broadband before April and how promotional pricing and rules affect timing. Back-claiming child benefit and recent eligibility rules are clarified. The maths behind a 7% regular saver paying much less is unpacked. Refund rights for faulty game credits and insurance options for disabled drivers who need flexible cover are explored.
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Decide Whether To Switch Broadband Now
- Do switch to a good cheap broadband deal now if it fits your needs because short-term promos and April price hikes make future savings uncertain.
- Martin explains promos shift with market coverage and you’d need a deal over £20 cheaper across two years to justify waiting one month.
Ofcom Rule Increased Visible Price Hikes
- Insight: Ofcom’s transparency rule made mid-contract price rises larger and clearer, so visible hikes now look bigger than before.
- Martin notes firms must state increases in pounds and pence, which has produced bigger percentage rises off cheap deals.
Claim Child Benefit If Highest Earner Under £80k
- Do claim Child Benefit now if the highest earner in your household earns under £80,000 because thresholds rose in April 2024.
- Martin warns backdating is limited to three months for payments, so apply promptly to capture credits/payments.