DWP announces change in payment date for thousands on benefits, here's what to expect

Published on May 23, 2023 at 10:37 AM by Annyes Guerra

If you’re claiming benefits in the UK, you may find your payments arrive on a different date this month. Check if you’re affected.

Thousands of people on benefits warned of change in payment date this month: here's what to expect

With the last May bank holiday around the corner, some benefits payments in the UK are to arrive early next week.

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If your money is due on a holiday, you normally get paid on the previous working day. Here is all you need to know.

Change in payment date

thumbnail — Change in payment date Toa Heftiba

The next bank holiday in the UK is on Monday, May 29. If this is when you’re due your benefit payment, you're likely to get your money on the previous working day.

This mean that claimants who receive State Pension, Universal Credit, Tax Credits, and Child benefit, will receive their payments on Friday, 26 May. This is similar to early payments made in the beginning of the month, when May 1 was also a bank holiday.

The sum you're due to be paid will remain the same. And while being paid earlier may seem like a good thing but as there will be a longer wait until your next payment, you will need to plan better to make your money last.

Closed helplines on bank holidays

DWP announced the change in payment date, while also cautioning claimants that the reason they have changed the date is to ensure people are receiving payments when the relevant helplines and departments are open. DWP stated, as quoted by Chronicle Live:

On Monday 29 May, Jobcentre Plus offices and phone lines are closed. To make sure people get their payment on a day when Jobcentre Plus offices are open, some payments will be paid early. If the expected payment date is Monday 29 May, benefits will be paid on Friday 26 May.

If people want to reach out to the necessary departments regarding their claims, they will need to do it within this week.

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Sources used:

Mirror: 'Thousands of people to receive benefit payments EARLY next week - see if you're affected'

Chronicle Live: 'DWP and HMRC confirm bank holiday payment date changes including Universal Credit, PIP and State Pension'

GOV.UK