Millions of benefit claimants will receive their payments early this month as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirms a change to the usual schedule.
Individuals across the UK whose payment date falls on 31 August will instead be paid two days early, on the 28th.
This also applies to those due to receive their state pension on the day. These pensioners will know it applies to them if their national insurance number ends in 00 to 19 – the code for Monday payment.
The change is due August’s summer bank holiday falling on 31 August, the last of the year until Christmas Day.
Disability minister 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.”
Benefits eligible for early payment include universal credit, the personal independence payment (Pip), carer’s allowance and attendance allowance.
At around 8.4 million claimants, universal credit is the UK’s most claimed benefit . It currently pays £424.90 a month for a single claimant over 25, dropping to £338.58 for younger individuals.
For couples where one person is aged over 25, it pays £666.97, and £528.34 where both are under this age.
There are also several add ons for factors like children, disabilities and caring responsibilities, making the average monthly payment across all claimants £1,030.
Earlier this year, the government completed its migration of all ‘legacy benefits’ to universal credit, with a few claimants remaining on the older benefits only in exceptional circumstances.
This process began in 2023, with benefits including tax credits, employment and support allowance (ESA) and housing benefit brought to an end.
Benefits being paid early in August – full list
- Universal credit
- State pension
- Pip
- Attendance allowance
- Carer’s allowance
- Disability living allowance
- Income support
- Jobseeker’s allowance
- Pension credit
- Employment support allowance
- Industrial injuries compensation scheme