The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that millions of UK households will receive early benefit payments before the end of August. Payments due on Monday, August 31, will be brought forward to Friday, August 28, covering all major benefits including state pension, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance and Disability Living Allowance.
Full list of benefits affected
The early payment applies across the entire UK, including Scotland, even though Scotland has different bank holidays. The full list of benefits impacted includes 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.
Government statement
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.”
Financial certainty for families
The DWP added: "This 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."
The announcement comes as the Prime Minister delivers on his pledge to give families breathing space with a raft of measures 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.
