Thousands of people claiming benefits such as Universal Credit will receive their payments early this week due to the upcoming second May bank holiday, which falls on Monday, May 25. If you are due a benefit payment on that date, you should expect to receive it on Friday, May 22 instead.
This adjustment mirrors the first May bank holiday on Monday, May 4, when those scheduled for payment that day were paid on Friday, May 1. However, receiving an early payment means a longer interval before your next benefit payment. The payment will be deposited into your usual bank account, and the amount will remain unchanged unless your personal circumstances have altered.
The change affects Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits as well as some HMRC benefits, including Child Benefit.
When Are Benefits Normally Paid?
Payment frequency varies by benefit type. For instance, Universal Credit is paid on the same day each month, while Child Benefit is typically paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. Note that Universal Credit has replaced Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits, and Housing Benefit.
Below is a list of common benefits and their usual payment schedules:
- Attendance Allowance – Usually every four weeks
- Carer's Allowance – Weekly in advance or every four weeks
- Child Benefit – Usually every four weeks, or weekly if you are a single parent or receive certain benefits
- Disability Living Allowance – Usually every four weeks
- Employment and Support Allowance – Usually every two weeks
- Income Support – Usually every two weeks
- Jobseeker's Allowance – Usually every two weeks
- Pension Credit – Usually every four weeks
- Personal Independence Payment – Usually every four weeks
- State Pension – Usually every four weeks
- Universal Credit – Every month
What If I Don't Get Paid?
If you believe you haven't been paid, first double-check your bank account. If the payment date is correct but the money is missing, contact the relevant helpline. Note that helplines are unlikely to be open on bank holidays, so you may need to wait until the next working day.
Contact numbers:
- Universal Credit: Freephone 0800 328 5644; Welsh speaking 0800 328 1744; Relay UK 18001 then 0800 328 5644
- Child Benefit: Freephone 0300 200 3100; outside UK +44 161 210 3086
- Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit, and Employment and Support Allowance: Freephone 0800 169 0310; Welsh speaking 0800 169 0207; Relay UK 18001 then 0800 169 0310
