Millions of Brits will receive benefit payments before the summer bank holiday, the Government has confirmed. Those expecting Universal Credit, Child Benefit and Carer’s Allowance deposits across the weekend of August 23-25 will instead see the money in their account on Friday, August 22.
The change also applies to State Pension, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Pension Credit payments. Sir Stephen Timms, the minister for social security and disability, said the move will provide ‘peace of mind’ for low income households with young children.
He said: “We know how much families rely on these payments, and by bringing them forward ahead of the bank holiday we’re ensuring no one has to worry about whether their support will be there when they need it most.
“This is especially important ahead of the new school year – no family should have to choose between buying school supplies and putting food on the table.”
This announcement comes as the Government continues towards Labour’s Plan for Change, the ‘mission-led’ milestones Keir Starmer has set out to achieve by the end of the current Parliament. This include growing the economy, bettering the NHS and improving street safety with a view to raising living standards overall.
Sir Timms added: “This is what our Plan for Change is all about – putting working families and the most vulnerable first and ensuring every family has the security they need to plan for the future.”
Nearly four million of the UK households receiving Universal Credit could soon be granted an annual three-figure as part of this policy. A Bill to overhaul the welfare system has moved to the next stage in Parliament, meaning the standard allowance will permanently rise above inflation for the first time ever.
This will see people over 25 receive a bonus totalling an estimated £725 a year by 2029/30. This represents the highest permanent real terms increase to the main rate of out-of-work support since 1980, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
Full list of benefits affected
- Universal Credit
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Child Benefit
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State Pension
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Personal Independence Payment (PIP),
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Attendance Allowance
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Carer’s Allowance
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Disability Living Allowance
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Income Support
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Jobseeker’s Allowance
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Pension Credit.
What do I need to do?
You do not need to do anything to receive your benefits payments. You will receive the money automatically.
The payment date change applies to those living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland does not observe the Summer bank holiday at the end of August,
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