THOUSANDS of Brits on Universal Credit can expect early payments in the coming weeks.
The Bank Holidays next month change the dates money hits bank accounts.
Universal Credit payments will be made early to some households this Christmas
This means that many receiving Universal Credit and other benefits will receive their payment on a different day than usual.
So if your payment is due on May 1, 8 or 29 you should expect to be paid the first working day before then.
This is when you will be paid if you are due to receive Universal Credit on the three dates:
- May 1 – you will receive payment on April 28 (today)
- May 8 – you will receive payment on May 5
- May 29 – you will receive payment on May 26
If your payment falls outside of these dates, you shouldn’t expect any changes at all.
This is because everybody’s usual payment date depends on when you first applied and when your application for benefits was approved – so there is no set day for everyone.
Usually, you receive your first payment seven days after the end of your initial assessment period.
You don’t need to do anything if your usual date for getting Universal Credit falls on a bank holiday.
But you should factor any early payments into your budget and make sure it lasts you long enough to take you through to the next month.
If your payment date falls on a normal date you’ll get your money as usual.
What other benefit payment dates will change over the May Bank Holidays?
The DWP has shared the full list of benefits that will be paid early because of the May Bank Holidays:
- Attendance allowance
- Carer’s allowance
- Child benefit
- Disability living allowance
- Employment and support allowance
- Income support
- Jobseeker’s allowance
- Pension credit
- Personal independence payment
- State pension
- Tax credits (such as Working Tax Credit)
The same rules apply. If you’re due a payment on May 1, 8 or 29 you will receive your payment on April 28, May 5 and May 26 respectively.
For bank holidays in Scotland and Northern Ireland which are different, households there may be paid after their usual payment date.
If you don’t receive your benefit payment on time, it’s worth checking with your bank first before contacting the DWP.
If something’s not right, you can also submit a complaint to the DWP.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
