Universal Credit, PIP claimants will receive an unexpected payment from the DWP on Friday

Millions of Department for Work and Pensions claimants will receive an unexpected payment this week. The DWP will make an early payment to millions of Universal Credit claimants this week as the department makes a key change to payment dates.

Monday 27 May is a bank holiday, which means that payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will not be made on this day. If you are due to receive a DWP benefit payment on that day, you may find that you receive it earlier.

If your payment is due on May 27th, you will receive it on May 24th instead. If your payment is due on a different day, it will arrive in your account as normal and the amount you need to pay will remain the same.

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The date your benefit is paid depends on what benefits you receive and when you started claiming. Universal Credit is paid monthly by the DWP. Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the State Pension are paid every four weeks.

Carer’s Allowance, Tax Credits (from HMRC) and Child Benefit are either weekly or every four weeks. And maternity pay is either fortnightly or every four weeks. Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance and Jobseeker’s Allowance are usually every two weeks.

Benefits that may be affected by the bank holiday week include Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance, as well as Child Benefit and Disability Living Allowance. Employment Allowance and Support Allowance are also affected, along with Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), State Pension, Tax Credits and Universal Credit are also affected. Benefits increased by 6.7% from 8 April 2024 for many claimants, and for some, increased benefit rates will come into effect around June. This is because the new rate is not paid until the first assessment period which starts on or after 8 April.