Universal Credit and benefit claimants hit by bank…

Universal Credit and benefit claimants hit by bank holiday payment shake-up

Universal Credit and other benefits claimants may see payments arrive early this week. This is because there is a bank holiday coming up - and if you’re due a benefit payment on a bank holiday, you normally get paid on the previous working day.

There is a bank holiday next Monday, May 1, which is the early May bank holiday. Being paid earlier may seem like a good thing, but it means you will need to make your money last longer, The Mirror reports.

This is because there will be a longer wait until your next payment. Here is everything you need to know.

Benefit payment dates for May bank holidays

There are three bank holiday dates to take into account this May. If you'd normally receive a benefit payment on Monday, May 1, then you will likely be paid on Friday, April 28.

If you're due to be paid on a different day, you won't need to do anything - the money will be paid into your account as normal. The amount you're due to be paid will also remain the same.

The next bank holiday is on Monday, May 8, to mark the coronation of King Charles III. If you're expecting a payment on this date, your benefit will likely be paid on Friday, May 5.

Then finally, the last bank holiday of the month is on Monday, May 29. Benefit payments that would normally arrive on this day should be paid into your bank account on Friday, May 26, instead.

When are benefits normally paid?

How often you get paid your benefit depends on what type of support you claim. For example, you’ll get paid Universal Credit on the same day each month, while Tax Credits are typically paid every four weeks or weekly.

Child Benefit is usually every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. See the full list of how often certain benefits are paid below:

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’re a single parent or you or your partner get 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
Tax credits - Every four weeks or weekly
Universal Credit - Every month

What if I don't get paid?

If your expecting a payment and it doesn't arrive, you should contact the relevant helpline. Do keep in mind Jobcentres and phone lines will be closed on all three bank holidays, so you'll need to call after these days.

Universal Credit: