Essential benefits to be paid early in August

Key benefit payments are to be brought forward to 22 August because of the upcoming bank holiday.

The early payment arrangement will apply to:

• universal credit
• child benefit
• personal independence payment
• carer’s allowance
• attendance allowance
• disability living allowance
• pension credit
• income support
• jobseeker’s allowance
• state pension

This means that claimants can be confident that payments scheduled for the bank holiday weekend will get to them on time.

“We know how much families rely on these payments," said social security minister Sir Stephen Timms.

“By bringing them forward ahead of the bank holiday, we’re ensuring no one has to worry about whether their support will be there when they need it most.”

Sir Stephen added that this is particularly important ahead of the new school year, as families shouldn’t have to choose between “buying school supplies and putting food on the table”.

Will it affect how much I get?

No, you should get the same amount.

The only reason the amount might be different is if you’ve notified the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of a change in your circumstances.

What do I need to do?

You don’t need to do anything if you’re due to be paid on the bank holiday Monday.

You’ll automatically get your payment on the previous Friday.

But getting paid earlier means you’ll have to make your money last longer, so make sure you plan for this.

What if I don’t get paid on the Friday?

If you’re due to get paid on the Monday and the money doesn’t arrive in your account on the Friday, you should:

1. double check your payment date
2. contact your bank
3. contact DWP