Universal Credit Claimants to Receive Early Payments This Week
Millions of people on Universal Credit and other benefits will receive their payments early this week, ahead of the upcoming Bank Holiday. The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that benefit payments will be made on Friday, 23 May, for those whose usual payment date falls on Monday, 26 May.
According to The Independent, a range of benefits will be affected, including Universal Credit, the state pension, child benefit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). The early payment will provide a much-needed financial boost to claimants before the long weekend.
The DWP has a standard payment schedule, but exceptions are made for Bank Holidays. In these cases, payments are typically made on the working day before the holiday. The early payment this week will affect those whose usual payment date is 26 May, which falls on a Bank Holiday Monday.
A full list of benefits that may be paid early has been provided by the DWP, and includes:
- Universal Credit
- State pension
- Pension credit
- Child benefit
- Disability living allowance
- Personal independence payment (PIP)
- Attendance allowance
- Carer’s allowance
- Employment support allowance
- Income support
- Jobseeker’s allowance
As The Independent reports, payments that were due on 26 May will now arrive this week on Friday, 23 May. For more information on how and when state benefits are paid, individuals can visit the government’s website.
Benefit Uprating and Changes
In April, all benefits were uprated by 1.7 per cent, matching the September 2024 inflation figure. The increase applies to all working-age benefits, including Universal Credit, PIP, DLA, attendance allowance, carer’s allowance, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and more.
From April 2026, Universal Credit claimants will see changes to their benefits. The standard allowance will increase by £7 a week, taking it from £91 to £98. However, the rate of the additional Universal Credit health element will be frozen from 2026 at £97 until 2029/30. New claimants for the health element after April 2026 will receive a reduced rate of £50 a week, which is almost £2,500 less than the current level.
As reported by The Independent, it is essential for anyone who thinks they might be eligible for Universal Credit to apply as soon as possible. For the latest information about benefits and the cost of living, individuals can visit The Independent’s regularly updated guide.
In conclusion, the early payment of benefits this week will provide much-needed financial support to millions of claimants. As the UK continues to navigate changes to its welfare system, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed about the latest developments and how they may affect their benefits.
Source: The Independent – Universal Credit may: Bank holiday payment https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/universal-credit-may-bank-holiday-payment-b2754353.html
