As the expense of Christmas sits on the horizon, the dates for when payments will land in bank accounts become a focus for many. One benefit that will be impacted by changes is Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
The government payment is in place to help with the extra living costs that people with long-term physical disabilities and mental health conditions face. As Brits face up to the effects of the rises in the cost of living, this year's payments are particularly important. Many will be keeping an eye on when cash will be deposited in accounts.
There are two aspects to PIP - the daily living part, for people who need help with everyday tasks, and the mobility part, which helps people with mobility problems. The daily living part is worth up to £92.40 per week and the mobility part can pay as much as £64.50 per week.
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Nottinghamshire Live's sister publication, Birmingham Live has been keeping an eye on changes and explained that PIP is paid every four weeks. When claimants receive payments - including the date of their first payment and the day of the week they will get it - is determined by when their claim is initially approved by the DWP. The website said that the Christmas bank holidays, however, will mean changes for some PIP claimants.
While PIP payments are never made on weekends, the timing of this year’s festive bank holidays could mean some disruption to payments for some PIP recipients. This year, Christmas Day (December 25) is on a Sunday, and Boxing Day (December 26) is on a Monday, which means that the Christmas bank holidays have been shifted around. The Boxing Day bank holiday will fall on December 26 as normal, but because Christmas Day falls on a Sunday this year, December 27 has instead been designated as a substitute bank holiday.
The bank holidays, therefore mean that any claimants expecting to receive PIP payments on December 26 or 27 should instead receive them on the Friday before, December 23. Likewise, the New Year bank holiday falls on Monday, January 2 - so anyone expecting PIP payments on that day should get them on Friday, December 30.
While the prospect of earlier PIP payments is likely to be welcomed by many recipients currently facing drastic increases in the cost of living, it will mean that they have to last for longer until the following month’s payments go in. If your payments don’t arrive on the expected dates, you can call the DWP’s PIP helpline on 0800 121 4433. The helpline is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but is closed at weekends and on bank holidays.
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