The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is implementing changes to payment dates for several benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Universal Credit, and Attendance Allowance, starting tomorrow. This adjustment is due to the upcoming May Bank Holiday.
Individuals expecting payments on Monday, 4 May, and Monday, 25 May, have been informed that the DWP will bring forward their payments. Those awaiting benefit or state pension instalments will instead receive their money on the last working day before the bank holiday.
For payments scheduled for 4 May, the last working day prior is Friday, 1 May. This change affects all benefits paid on a four-weekly basis, including Universal Credit, PIP, and Attendance Allowance.
What to Do If You Have Concerns
Beneficiaries can raise concerns or file complaints if they are unhappy with the DWP's service, for example, if mistakes have been made, there have been unreasonable delays, they feel they have been treated poorly, or they have not been kept informed.
Understanding Your Universal Credit Payment
The amount of Universal Credit you receive can change from month to month, making it difficult to calculate exactly what you will get. If you believe there has been a mistake with your payment, you should call the helpline or log into your online account and leave a message for your work coach in your journal. Ask them to explain the amount to you.
Late Payments
If your payment is late, log into your online account and leave a message for your work coach in your journal. Ask them to check whether anything is missing from your claim that might be causing the delay, such as proof of your rent or identity. The DWP refers to these as 'payment blockers'.
Advance Payments
If this is your first payment of Universal Credit, you can request an advance payment. This is a loan that you will have to repay from your future Universal Credit payments. You can ask for an advance even if your payment is not late.
