The DWP has confirmed the payment dates for benefits ahead of the May bank holiday.
Bank holidays can mean a change in the date a claimant is paid and people are being warned to be aware. The first May bank holiday is Monday, May 2. Coming just weeks after the Easter Bank Holiday, it means a three-day weekend for millions in the UK.
But for benefit claimants it could mean changes to when you receive your money this month. This often happens on bank holidays or other occasions when there is disruption to the regular working week.
READ MORE: Universal Credit move will see 400,000 people lose their benefits
When will I get my payments?
If you are due to be paid a benefit payment on Monday, May 2, your money should arrive this Friday (April 29) instead. This covers most benefits such as tax credits, pension payments and Universal Credit if your usual payment date falls on a public holiday.
You won't need to do anything yourself as the payment will be made automatically on the different date. It's important to remember that if you get paid earlier, you will need to make your money last longer. This is because there will be a longer wait until your next payment.
Benefits affected
When there is a bank holiday, the following benefits are usually affected:
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)
Universal Credit
What to do if you don't receive your payment
If you don't get your benefit payment when you expected to, first check double-check the date on your award notice and your bank account. If you've got the right date, and the money isn't there, you should contact the relevant helpline. These, however, are unlikely to be open on bank holidays.
Universal Credit:
Call for free: 0800 328 9344
Welsh speaking: 0800 012 1888
Textphone: 0800 328 1344
Child benefit:
- Call for free: 0300 200 3100
- Outside UK: +44 161 210 3086
Tax credits:
- Call HMRC for free: 0345 300 3900
- From outside the UK: +44 2890 538 192
Other benefits:
- Call for free: 0800 328 9344
- Welsh speaking: 0800 328 1744
- Textphone: 0800 169 0314
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