The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to issue early payments of £667 to Universal Credit claimants on a specific date in May. Universal Credit is typically paid monthly, every four weeks. However, due to a change in DWP payment dates, claimants will receive their money early on Friday, May 22.
This adjustment is necessary because Monday, May 25, is a bank holiday, during which DWP services will be closed. Consequently, those expecting payments on May 25 will receive them 72 hours earlier. The standard allowance for couples aged 25 and over is £667.
Additional Amounts for Eligible Claimants
Claimants may receive more than the standard allowance if they meet certain criteria. It is important to report changes in circumstances to the DWP, as extra amounts are not automatically added. For example, if you become a carer, you must inform the DWP; the carer's element of Universal Credit is not automatically applied when you start receiving Carer's Allowance.
Child Elements
If you have children, you will receive £303.94 per month for each child living with you. For your first child born before April 6, 2017, you get an additional £47.94 per month. Child payments continue until August 31 after the child's 16th birthday, or until their 19th birthday if they are in approved education or training, such as GCSEs, A levels, BTECs, Scottish Highers, SVQs, or NVQs up to level 3.
Disabled Child Additions
You may receive extra monthly amounts if any of your children are disabled. The lower rate is £164.79, and the higher rate is £514.71. The higher rate applies to children receiving the highest rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children, the higher rate of the daily living part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or those who are blind or severely sight impaired. The lower rate is for children receiving any other rate of DLA for children or PIP.
