The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that it will make early payments for 11 major benefits, including Universal Credit, State Pension, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), due to the August Bank Holiday. Payments that would have been paid on Monday, August 31 will be brought forward and paid on Friday, August 28.
Benefits affected
The full list of benefits impacted includes Universal Credit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit, Employment Support Allowance, and 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.”
He added: “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.”
UK-wide application
The government stressed that the early payments apply across the entire UK, including Scotland, even though Scotland has different Bank Holidays. 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 news comes as the Prime Minister delivers on his pledge 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.
