THOUSANDS of people claiming Universal Credit will see their payments change this month – are you affected?
The August bank holiday weekend is just around the corner, but it could also impact anyone receiving Universal Credit.
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Universal Credit is paid one a month, but if your payment falls on a weekend or a bank holiday, you’ll be paid on the last working day before.
The summer bank holiday falls on Monday, August 29 and is expected to change the payment date for thousands of claimants.
For example, during the Spring bank holiday and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee earlier in June, thousands got paid earlier than usual.
And over Easter and the early May bank holiday, claimants got their money sooner than usually expected too.
When will Universal Credit be paid over the Summer bank holiday?
If you’re expecting to get your payment on Monday, August 29, you should receive it on the last working day before.
You should expect to receive the payment three days earlier on Friday August 26.
And if your payment date falls on a normal working day either side of the bank holiday, you’ll get your payment as normal.
Are other benefit payment dates affected?
Yes, Universal Credit isn’t the only benefit that can be affected by bank holidays.
The payment dates for the following benefits will also change:
Will you get less Universal Credit if paid earlier?
No. The amount of Universal credit you’ll get won’t change even when it’s paid on different days than usual.
The same applies to benefits payments. However, because your being paid that bit earlier, you’ll have to make sure you watch your spending.
You’ll need to make your money stretch over the period until your next payment.
If something isn’t right and you think you were owed and payment and it hasn’t arrive, give the Department for Work and Pensions a ring.
How many more bank holidays will affect my payments?
There are two more bank holidays in England, Northern Ireland and Wales and three in Scotland later on this year.
Make sure you note down the dates so you’re aware when your payments will change.
Here’s the list of the remaining bank holidays in 2022:
- Wednesday, November 30 – St Andrew’s Day (Scotland only)
- Monday, December 26 – Boxing Day
- Tuesday, December 27 – Christmas Day (substitute day)
