DWP confirms Universal Credit payment change which will affect thousands of people

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced it will issue advance payments to a large number of Universal Credit claimants this week. The change in payment dates is due to a key adjustment made ahead of the May Bank Holiday.

If your benefit payment is scheduled for Monday 27 May, you will probably receive Universal Credit on Friday 24 May. This is because the DWP does not distribute benefits on bank holidays.

Those receiving the following benefits may also see their payments arrive earlier: Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support and Accident Disability Allowance for work. Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment, State Pension and Universal Credit are also affected. Other benefits to be paid in advance include child benefit/carer’s benefit, working tax credits and child tax credits.

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Anyone who owes a payment on Monday 27 May will receive it on Friday 24 May later this week. If the usual date of payment of the benefit falls outside a bank holiday, nothing will change, reports Birmingham Live.

If you expect a payment the day before the bank holiday and don’t receive it, you should contact the Department for Work and Pensions. The DWP website states that when you make a claim you will be asked to provide your bank, building society or credit union account details. In addition, it clarifies that exceptions are only made for those who experience difficulties opening or managing an account.

Consumer and help groups such as NI Direct advise on their websites that if you cannot open or manage a bank, building society or credit union account, you should contact the office handle your benefits to explore alternative payment methods.

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