Universal Credit claimants will wake up to a surprise payment from the DWP this week

The Department for Work and Pensions will issue advance payments to dozens of Universal Credit claimants this week. The DWP has explained that it will change the date on which Universal Credit payments are made as it makes a key change ahead of the bank holiday at the end of May.

If your benefit payment is due on Monday 27 May, then you are likely to receive Universal Credit on Friday 24 May. This is because the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) does not pay public holiday benefits.

Those on the following benefits may also see payments arrive earlier: Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance, as well as Disability Living Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance and also Income Support and Disability allowance for occupational accidents.

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Jobseeker’s Allowance is also affected, along with Pension Credit and Personal Independence Payment, as well as the State Pension and Universal Credit. Other benefits to be paid in advance include child benefit/carer’s benefit, working tax credits and child tax credits.

Anyone who owes a payment on Monday 27 May will receive it on Friday 24 May later this week. If your usual allowance payment date falls outside a bank holiday, nothing will change. If you expect a payment the day before the bank holiday and don’t receive it, contact the Department for Work and Pensions.

You will be asked for your bank, building society or credit union account details when you apply. You can normally only be paid in a different way if you have problems opening or managing an account, the DWP states on its website.

If you can’t open or manage a bank, building society or credit union account, you should contact the office that pays your benefit to find out how to pay it, consumer and help groups such as NI Direct say on the website- their websites.