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Levi Winchester & Aaron Morris

Thousands will receive DWP benefits early next week through bank holiday - Universal Credit, JSA & more

Universal Credit claimants and people on other Department for Work and Pensions benefits may see their payments arrive early next week through the up coming May Bank Holiday.

If you're due to be paid a benefit come a bank holiday, you usually get paid the previous working day, with a number of banks not processing payments on weekends and holidays.

The next bank holiday falls on May 1, and while being paid earlier may seem like a positive, it means that you have to make your money last longer through a slightly longer wait for your next payment.

Read more: DWP is replacing six benefits with Universal Credit by end of 2024

The Mirror has compiled a list of everything you need to know about early payments.

Benefit payment dates for May bank holidays

May plays host to three bank holidays this year. Should you be set to receive a benefit payment come May 1, this will likely come Friday, April 28. However, if your payment is likely to come on a different weekday, your money will arrive as normal.

The amount paid will also remain the same regardless.

The next bank holiday lands May 8, which will mark the new coronation of King Charles III. Should you be expecting a payment on this date, you'll likely instead receive it come Friday, May 5. The last bank holiday of the month comes Monday, May 29 - and you'll likely receive your benefit payment come Friday, May 26 if you're due one on this date.

When are benefits normally paid?

This all depends on the type of benefit you receive and what sort of support you claim. Universal Credit payments usually come on the same day each month, whereas Tax Credits can come every four weeks or weekly. Child Benefit meanwhile lands every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday.

See the full list of how often certain benefits are paid 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

  • Tax credits - Every four weeks or weekly

  • Universal Credit - Every month

What if I don't get paid?

Should your payment fail to arrive, you should reach out to the relevant helpline. However, do be mindful that these are unlikely to be open on a bank holiday.

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 for free: 0345 300 3900

  • From outside the UK: +44 2890 538 192

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

  • Call for free: 0800 169 0310

  • Textphone: 0800 169 0314

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

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