In just two weeks’ time, important changes will affect payment schedules from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Due to the bank holiday, certain scheduled payments originally due on Monday, May 25, will be brought forward and issued on Friday, May 22. These changes impact a range of benefits, including State Pension, Universal Credit, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), among others.
Why Are Payments Changing?
The reason for this adjustment is due to DWP offices and HMRC telephone lines being closed over the bank holiday. Payments are typically processed when all services are operational, including webchat, Jobcentre Plus branches, and customer support lines.
Since the holiday falls on a Monday, payments due on that day will be processed earlier to ensure timely delivery.
What Payments Are Affected?
Both DWP and HMRC payments are affected by this update. Below is a breakdown of the key benefits and their adjusted payment dates:
DWP Payments
The following DWP benefits will be impacted by this change and will be paid earlier on Friday, May 22 instead of Monday, May 25:
| Benefit | Scheduled Payment Date | New Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| State Pension | May 25 | May 22 |
| Universal Credit | May 25 | May 22 |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | May 25 | May 22 |
| Attendance Allowance | May 25 | May 22 |
| Carer’s Allowance | May 25 | May 22 |
| Employment Support Allowance (ESA) | May 25 | May 22 |
| Income Support | May 25 | May 22 |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) | May 25 | May 22 |
| Pension Credit | May 25 | May 22 |
These payments are usually issued to bank accounts on the scheduled date, but due to the holiday, they will be processed earlier, ensuring that recipients receive their benefits before the bank holiday closure.
HMRC Payments
HMRC benefits that are due on Monday, May 25, will also be paid earlier on Friday, May 22. These benefits include:
| Benefit | Scheduled Payment Date | New Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| Child Benefit | May 25 | May 22 |
| Guardian’s Allowance | May 25 | May 22 |
Universal Credit and Joint Payments
For those claiming Universal Credit, it is essential to understand the payment structure. If you are part of a couple, you will typically receive a single payment for your household. This payment can be made into either:
- A joint bank account in both of your names
- One individual bank account (depending on the arrangement)
If you have children, the payment will generally be deposited into the main carer’s account.
Important Considerations for Joint Bank Accounts
If you are considering opening a joint bank account for receiving benefits with your partner, Money Helper provides the following advice:
- Trust is crucial: Only open a joint account with someone you trust completely, as it could negatively affect your credit score if your partner has poor credit.
- Responsibility for debts: You may be held accountable for any debts accumulated by your partner in the joint account.
- Protecting your finances: If you are concerned about potential misuse of your money by your partner, you can speak to your work coach to arrange separate or more frequent payments. These adjustments can be made confidentially for added security.
With the bank holiday on Monday, May 25, DWP and HMRC have issued an update that will affect the payment schedules for several benefits, including State Pension, Universal Credit, PIP, and Child Benefit.
To ensure beneficiaries receive their payments on time, the payments due on Monday, May 25 will be made earlier, on Friday, May 22.
It’s crucial for claimants to be aware of this change and adjust their financial planning accordingly. Additionally, those claiming Universal Credit in a household setting should carefully consider how payments are made to ensure proper management of household finances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are DWP and HMRC payments being brought forward?
Due to the bank holiday on Monday, May 25, DWP and HMRC are bringing forward scheduled payments to Friday, May 22 to ensure timely delivery before the offices close.
2. Which payments are affected by this change?
Payments impacted include State Pension, Universal Credit, PIP, Child Benefit, Attendance Allowance, and several others as outlined in the update.
3. Will my payment still be deposited in my account on the scheduled date?
No, due to the bank holiday, all payments due on Monday, May 25 will be issued on Friday, May 22 instead.
4. How does Universal Credit payment work for couples?
For couples, Universal Credit payments are typically issued as a single payment for the household. The payment can be made into a joint bank account or into one individual’s account, depending on the arrangement.
5. What should I do if I’m worried about my partner misusing a joint bank account?
If you’re concerned about your partner potentially misusing the joint account, you can confidentially ask your work coach for separate or more frequent payments to ensure your finances are protected.
