Millions of people will receive crucial benefit payments early this month, as the government brings forward payments to Friday, August 28, ahead of the bank holiday weekend. The payments were originally scheduled for Monday, August 31, which is a bank holiday.
Which benefits are affected
The early payments apply to Universal Credit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance. Also included are Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit, Employment Support Allowance, and the Industrial Injuries Compensation Scheme.
The government said the early payments will ‘provide financial certainty for families as they prepare for the new school year’ and allow ‘parents and carers to plan their spending with confidence’.
Minister's 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.’
Additional measures
The school year for most local schools and councils will start on Tuesday, September 1. The government has also rolled out other measures to help families with the cost of living, including capping bus fares at £2 and cutting taxes on household energy bills.
From September, a new law will limit school uniforms in England to three branded items with a school logo, such as a blazer, jumper, or sportswear, plus a tie for secondary schools. Ministers hope this will save some families up to £50 per child.
