Bolton’s Universal Credit claimants will see a payment change

Payments due on Monday, August 31, will instead be made on Friday, August 28, ensuring recipients receive their money before the long weekend.

The change will apply to a range of major benefits, including Universal Credit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Cabinet (Image: Eddie Mulholland/Daily Telegraph)

The Government said the move is designed to provide financial certainty for families, pensioners, and carers, particularly as many households prepare for the start of the new school year

Ministers said bringing payments forward would help people manage their finances with confidence and avoid disruption caused by the bank holiday.

Social Security and Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms said: “We’re pleased to confirm that benefit payments due on the August bank holiday will be paid earlier.

“This will help ensure families and older people receive their money without disruption over the bank holiday period.

“This Government is determined to ensure people up and down the country have the support and breathing room they need, which is why we’ve acted to take money off energy bills, increase the National Minimum Wage and lift half a million children out of poverty, as well as supporting people into good, secure jobs.”

The announcement comes as the Government continues to highlight measures aimed at tackling the cost of living.

Among these policies are plans to provide free school meals to all children in households claiming Universal Credit, expanded childcare provision, and the rollout of free breakfast clubs.

The Government says the free school meals programme, backed by more than £1 billion in funding, will help lift around 100,000 children out of poverty.

Other measures include increases to the National Living Wage, support with household energy costs, and a £1 billion Crisis and Resilience Fund designed to help families facing financial hardship.

Ministers have also pledged further support to help disabled people and those with health conditions move into employment through programmes such as Connect to Work and the Government’s Pathways to Work scheme.

The Department for Work and Pensions has advised benefit claimants that while payments will arrive earlier than usual, the amount received will remain unchanged.