DWP payment date changes for Universal Credit and other benefits this week

Thousands of benefit claimants, including those on Universal Credit, will have their DWP payment dates rescheduled this week due to the May bank holiday falling on Monday, May 25

Thousands of benefit claimants, including those receiving Universal Credit, will see their payments arrive early this week.

This is due to the forthcoming second May bank holiday, falling on Monday, May 25. If your benefit payment is scheduled for that day, you should expect to receive it on Friday, May 22 instead.

The same situation occurred with the first May bank holiday on Monday, May 4, when those due a payment that day received it on Friday, May 1.

It is worth noting, however, that receiving payment early does mean a lengthier gap before your next payment arrives. Funds will be deposited into your usual bank account where benefits are routinely paid.

The amount you are entitled to will remain unchanged, unless your personal circumstances have been altered, reports the Mirror.

The adjustment will affect Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits, along with certain HMRC benefits, including Child Benefit.

When are benefits normally paid?

The frequency of your payments depends on which benefit you are claiming. Universal Credit, for instance, is paid on the same date each month, while Child Benefit is typically paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday.

It is important to note that Universal Credit has now replaced Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits, and Housing Benefit.

The full breakdown of how frequently certain benefits are paid is listed below.

• Attendance Allowance – Usually every four weeks Carer’s Allowance – Weekly in advance or every four weeks
• Child Benefit – Usually every four weeks, or weekly if you’re a single parent or you or your partner get certain benefits
• Disability Living Allowance – Usually every four weeks
• Employment and Support Allowance – Usually every two weeks
• Income Support – Usually every two weeks
• Jobseeker’s Allowance – Usually every two weeks
• Pension Credit – Usually every four weeks
• Personal Independence Payment – Usually every four weeks
• State Pension – Usually every four weeks
• Universal Credit – Every month

What if I don’t get paid?

Should you believe a payment has not come through, ensure you check your bank account thoroughly in the first instance. If the expected payment date has passed and the funds are absent, you should get in touch with the appropriate helpline.

These are unlikely to be available on bank holidays, meaning you will need to wait until the following working day.

Universal Credit:

Call for free: 0800 328 5644

Welsh speaking: 0800 328 1744

Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 328 5644

Child Benefit:

Call for free: 0300 200 3100

Outside UK: +44 161 210 3086

Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit and Employment and Support Allowance:

Call for free: 0800 169 0310

Welsh speaking: 0800 169 0207

Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 169 0310