The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a number of upcoming changes to universal credit payments and other benefits. The changes will affect millions of people who claim benefits in the UK in May, as well as later this year.
The changes come in due to a number of upcoming bank holidays which will see the date many receive their money moved forward. This is similar to changes which took place earlier in May for the early bank holiday as well as the bank holiday given for King Charles' coronation on May 8.
The UK will have a bank holiday on Monday, May 29 - the third this month - which means benefit payment dates will be brought forward for some, although they will face a longer wait for their next benefits as a result. The DWP has also confirmed the benefit date changes coming in for the rest of 2023.
Read more: Every cost of living payment and money deadline across 2023 and beyond
Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming changes to benefits including universal credit in May and through the rest of the year. To get all the latest money-saving news straight to your inbox sign up here.
When will I get my benefits over the May bank holiday?
The bank holiday on Monday, May 29 means anyone receiving certain benefits will instead get the money on Friday, May 26. This applies to the following benefits:
- Universal credit
- Child tax credits
- Working tax credits
- Child benefit
- Employment support allowance (ESA)
- Personal independence payments (PIP)
- Jobseeker’s allowance (JSA)
- Carer’s allowance
- Attendance allowance
- Pension credits
You do not need to do anything to receive your benefits, which will be paid automatically into your account as normal. The amount you are paid will also not change. Anyone who hasn't had their money one working day before the bank holiday should get in touch with the DWP.
The above changes will also apply to regular payments given by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customers (HMRC). These include:
- Working tax credits
- Child tax credits
- Child benefit
- Guardian’s allowance
What other bank holiday changes will be happening this year?
There will be a further three bank holidays in 2023 which will also result in alterations to benefit payments. They are as follows:
- Monday, August 28 (summer bank holiday) - payments will be given by Friday, August 26
- Monday, December 25 (Christmas Day) - payments due between December 25 and 27 will be given by Friday, December 22
- Tuesday, December 26 (Boxing Day) - payments due between December 25 and 27 will be given by Friday, December 22
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