The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has made important changes to the payment schedules for some key benefits, owing to the upcoming bank holidays in May. If you’re due to receive benefits this week, it’s essential to be aware that the payments will not arrive on the usual Monday, May 4, but instead, they will be made earlier.
This is part of the DWP’s effort to adjust payment dates in light of the May bank holidays. Let’s break down the key changes and provide a helpful overview of payment schedules.
Why Are Payments Being Made Early?
The May bank holiday falls on Monday, May 4, and since many services are closed on this day, the DWP has adjusted benefit payment schedules to ensure claimants receive their payments on time. Instead of the regular Monday payment, claimants who are due a payment on that date will see their money deposited on Friday, May 1.
Additionally, there is another bank holiday later in May, which falls on Monday, May 25. As a result, if you’re due a payment on this date, the DWP will process your benefits early, with payments arriving on Friday, May 22.
Full List of Benefit Payment Schedules
Here’s a neat table summarizing the payment frequency and any adjustments made due to bank holidays:
| Benefit Type | Normal Payment Frequency | May Adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance Allowance | Every four weeks | Paid early if due on May 4 (May 1) |
| Carer’s Allowance | Weekly or every four weeks | Paid early if due on May 4 (May 1) |
| Child Benefit | Every four weeks or weekly (for some) | Paid early if due on May 4 (May 1) |
| Disability Living Allowance | Every four weeks | Paid early if due on May 4 (May 1) |
| Employment and Support Allowance | Every two weeks | Paid early if due on May 4 (May 1) |
| Income Support | Every two weeks | Paid early if due on May 4 (May 1) |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance | Every two weeks | Paid early if due on May 4 (May 1) |
| Pension Credit | Every four weeks | Paid early if due on May 4 (May 1) |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Every four weeks | Paid early if due on May 4 (May 1) |
| State Pension | Every four weeks | Paid early if due on May 4 (May 1) |
| Universal Credit | Monthly | Paid early if due on May 4 (May 1) |
What to Do if Your Payment is Missing
If you expect to receive a benefit payment but it hasn’t arrived yet, first double-check your bank account to confirm whether the payment has been processed early (on Friday, May 1). If you still haven’t received the payment on the expected date, it’s important to contact the relevant helpline for assistance. Here are the contact details for different benefits:
- Universal Credit: Call 0800 328 5644
- HMRC Child Benefit: Call 0300 200 3100
- Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance: Call 0800 169 0310
The DWP’s decision to adjust benefit payment schedules is a crucial step in ensuring that people still receive their payments on time despite the May bank holidays. If you’re due a payment on Monday, May 4, remember that your payment will be made earlier on Friday, May 1.
The second May bank holiday on Monday, May 25 will also result in early payments on Friday, May 22. Be sure to check your bank account for the early payment and contact the appropriate helpline if you encounter any issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are benefit payments being made early in May?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is making early payments due to the May bank holidays. The first holiday falls on Monday, May 4, and the second on Monday, May 25. To ensure claimants receive their benefits on time, the DWP has adjusted payment schedules, making payments earlier in the preceding week.
2. If I am due a benefit payment on Monday, May 4, when will I get it?
If you are due a payment on Monday, May 4, you should receive your payment on Friday, May 1 instead. This is to accommodate the bank holiday when many services are closed.
3. What happens if I’m due a payment on Monday, May 25?
For payments due on Monday, May 25, the DWP will make the payment early, on Friday, May 22.
4. How can I check if my payment has been made early?
It’s a good idea to check your bank account on the morning of Friday, May 1 if you were expecting a payment on May 4. If you do not see the payment, double-check the expected payment date and, if necessary, contact the appropriate helpline.
5. What should I do if my payment is missing, even though it was due early?
If the payment isn’t showing up in your account on the adjusted date, here’s what to do:
- Double-check your bank account to ensure the payment wasn’t made early.
- If you’ve verified that the payment hasn’t been processed, contact the relevant helpline:
- Universal Credit: Call 0800 328 5644
- HMRC Child Benefit: Call 0300 200 3100
- Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance: Call 0800 169 0310
