Under the new Labour government led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, a string of benefit payments are set to change in August due to the UK Bank Holiday. Payments scheduled for Monday, August 31 will be issued early on Friday, August 29. This affects 11 DWP and HMRC benefits in England.
Affected DWP Benefits
The DWP benefits impacted include Attendance Allowance, the new state pension, the basic state pension, Carer's Allowance, Employment Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Universal Credit. HMRC payments for Child Benefit and Guardian's Allowance will also be made early.
Scottish Benefits
In Scotland, where benefits are devolved, the date change affects Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, Scottish Child Payment, Carer Support Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment, and Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance. Social Security Scotland has confirmed that Best Start Foods payments will not be affected.
Background and Reviews
The payment changes come as Mr Burnham examines DWP changes amid concerns over the rising welfare bill. Two reviews are exploring changes to DWP disability benefits: the Milburn Report and the Timms Review. They will report back in August and November respectively, with Mr Burnham tasked with altering eligibility criteria if necessary, as the benefits bill skyrockets.
