Millions of benefit claimants will receive their money on a different date due to the upcoming August Bank Holiday. The Government has confirmed that payments will be brought forward this month.
The early payment arrangement will apply to all major DWP benefits including Universal Credit, State Pension and Personal Independence Payment. This means that benefits originally due on Monday, August 31, will be paid early on Friday, August 28.
Reason for the Change
The DWP says the early payment "will provide financial certainty for families as they prepare for the new school year, allowing parents and carers to plan their spending with confidence, particularly at a time when the cost of living is high". It comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham vowed to give families breathing space with a raft of announcements to tackle the cost of living including capping bus fares at £2, cutting tax on household energy bills and ending subscription traps with new “easy to exit” rules.
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: "We’re pleased to confirm that benefit payments due on the August bank holiday will be paid earlier. This will help ensure families and older people receive their money without disruption over the bank holiday period.
"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."
Full List of Benefits Impacted
The payment date change applies across the entire United Kingdom. Scotland follows the same principle despite different bank holiday arrangements. The full list of benefits impacted 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
- Industrial Injuries Compensation Scheme
Free Bus Pass Announcement
This week Andy Burnham also made a major announcement regarding free bus passes, bringing in a rule change that will affect scores of people across England. The PM says eligible disabled people will get free bus travel all day, every day, as the Government will lift time restrictions on concessionary passes. From April 1, 2027, people who hold a disabled bus pass can travel on buses for free, no matter the time of day.
