DWP Issues Urgent Reminder to Millions of Benefit Claimants Ahead of Bank Holiday
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a crucial reminder to millions of benefit claimants who are expecting payments on May 5, a bank holiday. According to the Liverpool Echo, the DWP has taken to social media to inform claimants that payments will be made on May 2 instead of the original date.
In a post on their social media accounts on Friday, May 2, the DWP stated: "Information for claimants already receiving payments: If you are due to be paid on May 5, you will be paid on May 2. Please contact us straight away if there is a problem with your payment." This message is a vital reminder to claimants that their payments will be made earlier than usual due to the bank holiday.
The Liverpool Echo reports that benefits are typically paid directly into claimants’ bank, building society, or credit union accounts. However, when payment dates coincide with weekends or bank holidays, payments are usually made on the preceding working day. It is essential for claimants to note that this may not apply to Child Benefit.
Millions of people receiving benefits, including Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Pension Credit, will have their payment dates adjusted to accommodate the reduced number of working days in May. As a result, many claimants will receive their payments earlier than usual.
Benefit advisors are urging claimants to manage their finances carefully to ensure they can afford essential expenses in the weeks leading up to their next payment date. Depending on the bank, funds are typically available from sometime after midnight on the payment date, with some banks depositing money into accounts around 11:30 pm.
The Liverpool Echo has compiled a list of benefits and their corresponding payment frequencies:
- Attendance Allowance: usually every four weeks
- Carer’s Allowance: weekly in advance or every four weeks
- Child Benefit: usually every four weeks, or weekly for single parents or those receiving 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
- Maternity Allowance: every two or four weeks
- Pension Credit: usually every four weeks
- Personal Independence Payment: usually every four weeks
- State Pension: usually every four weeks
- Universal Credit: every month
When making a claim, individuals are required to provide their bank, building society, or credit union account details. In exceptional circumstances, alternative payment methods may be available for those experiencing difficulties with account management.
The amount of benefit paid will remain unchanged unless the claimant’s personal circumstances have altered, in which case they should contact the DWP. As the Liverpool Echo reports, it is crucial for claimants to be aware of these changes and plan accordingly to avoid any financial difficulties.
