The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that state pension and benefit payments will be brought forward to Friday 28 August, ahead of the August bank holiday. This applies to Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claimants.
Payments originally scheduled for 31 August will now reach recipients on 28 August. The Labour Party government stated: "Early payments ensure millions have the breathing space they need ahead of bank holiday."
Government's pledge for financial certainty
In a press release, the government said: "This will provide financial certainty for families as they prepare for the new school year, allowing parents and carers to plan their spending with confidence, particularly at a time when the cost of living is high."
The move is part of the Prime Minister's pledge to give families breathing space, with measures including capping bus fares at £2, cutting tax on household energy bills, and ending subscription traps with new "easy to exit" rules.
Additional support measures
Labour also highlighted other initiatives, such as providing free school meals to every child from a household claiming Universal Credit, backed by over £1 billion in funding. This is expected to lift 100,000 children out of poverty.
The government also plans to expand childcare and roll out free breakfast clubs across the country, giving parents back up to 95 hours a year and saving them £450. Additionally, the national living wage will be increased, worth £900 a year for a full-time worker starting next year.
Child Poverty Strategy and Crisis Fund
The government's landmark Child Poverty Strategy aims to lift 550,000 children out of poverty by 2030 through schemes such as free school meals and expanding childcare.
The DWP continues to operate a £1bn Crisis and Resilience Fund, which acts as a safety net to prevent families from falling into crises, giving local authorities the funding and flexibility to design support that works for their communities.
