Thousands of Brits to Receive Early DWP Payments This Week
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that thousands of people will receive their Universal Credit and other benefits payments early this week. According to The Sun, payments due on May 26 will now land on Friday, May 23, due to the spring bank holiday falling on Monday, May 26 (The Sun).
This change affects a range of benefits, including Universal Credit, the state pension, child benefit, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The DWP makes early payments during bank holidays, Easter, and Christmas to ensure claimants receive vital support without delay. As The Sun reports, "The DWP makes early payments during bank holidays, Easter, and Christmas to make sure claimants aren’t left waiting for vital support."
It is essential to note that not everyone will receive their payment early. Only those whose usual payment date falls on the bank holiday Monday will receive their money on Friday, May 23. If your regular payday is not impacted, your money will arrive as normal.
Benefits Affected by the Early Payment
A total of 12 benefits are affected by this date change, including:
- Universal Credit
- State pension
- Child benefit
- PIP
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Tax credits
- Housing benefit
- Income support
- Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
The Sun reports that "Twelve benefits are affected by this May’s date change" and provides a list of the benefits that will be paid early.
What to Do If You Haven’t Been Paid
If your payment hasn’t landed when expected, you can contact the DWP helpline on 0800 328 5644. You can also raise a complaint online if your payment is late or missing. For more information on your specific benefit and payment dates, visit gov.uk or speak to your local Jobcentre Plus.
Upcoming Benefit Changes
Thousands of households on old-style legacy benefits are being moved to Universal Credit via Managed Migration. The managed migration process officially began in July 2022, and households receiving one of five legacy benefits have been receiving postal notifications outlining the steps required to transition to Universal Credit.
According to The Sun, "Thousands of households on old-style legacy benefits are being moved to Universal Credit via Managed Migration" (The Sun). Upon receiving a migration letter, claimants are given up to three months to make the switch. Failure to act within this timeframe could result in the loss of existing benefits.
Help Claiming Universal Credit
As well as benefit calculators, anyone moving from Tax Credits to Universal Credit can find help in a number of ways. You can visit your local Jobcentre by searching at find-your-nearest-jobcentre.dwp.gov.uk/. There’s also a free service called Help to Claim from Citizen’s Advice:
- England: 0800 144 8 444
- Scotland: 0800 023 2581
- Wales: 08000 241 220
You can also get help online from advisers at citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/.
Will I Be Better Off on Universal Credit?
Analysis by James Flanders, The Sun’s Chief Consumer Reporter, suggests that around 1.4 million people on legacy benefits will be better off after switching to Universal Credit, according to the government. A further 300,000 would see no change in payments, while around 900,000 would be worse off under Universal Credit.
As The Sun notes, "Around 1.4million people on legacy benefits will be better off after switching to Universal Credit, according to the government" (The Sun). Those who move voluntarily and are worse off won’t get these top-up payments and could lose cash. Those who miss the managed migration deadline and later make a claim may not get transitional protection.
