Millions of Britons will receive vital financial support earlier than expected ahead of the August bank holiday weekend, with welfare payments being brought forward to ensure those who need the money can access it before the long weekend. Payments due on Monday, August 31 will instead be made on Friday, August 28.
Early payments for pensioners and families
According to the UK Government, the move is designed to give families, pensioners, and carers greater financial certainty at a time when the cost of living remains high. It means that pensioners who receive the basic State Pension of around £801.23 every four weeks will receive their payment slightly earlier.
As for parents, it'll mean mums and dads can plan their back-to-school spending with greater confidence as children across the UK prepare to return to the classroom in early September.
Government's 'breathing space' measures
The change comes as newly minted Prime Minister Andy Burnham seeks to deliver on his pledge to give families "breathing space", with the earlier benefits payment forming part of a wider package of measures aimed at tackling the cost of living. Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said the earlier payments would help ensure families and older people receive vital financial support without disruption during the bank holiday weekend.
"This Government is determined to ensure people up and down the country have the support and breathing room they need, which is why we’ve acted to take money off energy bills, increase the National Minimum Wage and lift half a million children out of poverty, as well as supporting people into good, secure jobs."
Other "breathing space" measures include capping bus fares at £2, cutting tax on household energy bills and ending subscription traps through new "easy to exit" rules.
Support for families and children
The Government said it is also supporting families by providing free school meals to every child from a household claiming Universal Credit. The scheme is backed by more than £1 billion in funding and is expected to lift 100,000 children out of poverty.
The early payment arrangement applies across the entire UK, with Scotland following the same principle despite having different bank holiday arrangements. The benefits affected are Universal Credit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit, Employment Support Allowance and the Industrial Injuries Compensation Scheme.
The Government is also expanding childcare and rolling out free breakfast clubs across the country, giving parents back up to 95 hours a year and saving them £450. Its landmark Child Poverty Strategy is expected to lift 550,000 children out of poverty in 2030 through measures including free school meals and expanded childcare. A £1 billion Crisis and Resilience Fund will also provide a safety net to prevent families from falling into crisis, giving local authorities funding and flexibility to design support for their communities. The Government will also cut £150 from energy bills for the years ahead as part of its efforts to tackle the rising cost of living.
