The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is implementing a change to benefit payments this week, with scheduled payments not arriving on Monday as initially expected. Due to the upcoming May bank holiday on Monday, May 4, the DWP has opted to pay claimants on the preceding working day instead.
This adjustment affects several key benefits, including Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and the state pension. If you were expecting a payment on Monday, May 4, you should have received it on Friday, May 1. It is advisable to check your bank accounts and statements for a Friday morning payment.
There is a second bank holiday in May, falling on Monday, May 25. For this date, payments will be made early on Friday, May 22 instead. Below is a list of how frequently certain benefits are typically paid:
- 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 are a single parent or receive 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
- Universal Credit - Every month
If you believe you have not been paid, first double-check your bank account. If the payment date has passed and the money is not there, you should contact the relevant helpline. Universal Credit claimants can call 0800 328 5644, while HMRC Child Benefit claimants can call 0300 200 3100. For Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit, and Employment and Support Allowance, call 0800 169 0310.
