Huge change to benefits and Universal Credit this week - see if you’ll get paid early

Thousands of benefit claimants could see their payments arrive early this week because of the August bank holiday.

If you are due to be paid next Monday (August 29) then your money should land in your account this Friday (August 26).

Being paid earlier than expected might seem like a good thing, but it does mean you’ll need to make your money last longer.

This is because you’ll have a longer wait until your next benefit payment. Make sure to factor this into your budget for September.

Here is everything you need to know about what the August bank holiday means for your benefits:

Does the bank holiday affect your benefits? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@reachplc.com

If you are due to be paid early, the amount you should receive in benefits won’t change.

You will also be paid into your regular bank, building society or credit union account as normal.

The money should come into your account automatically. You won’t need to contact your Jobcentre or benefit office.

How often you get paid your benefit depends on what type of support you claim.

For example, you’ll get paid Universal Credit on the same day each month, while Tax Credits are typically paid every four weeks or weekly.

Child benefit is usually every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday.

See the full list of how often certain benefits are paid below:

Attendance Allowance - Usually every four weeks
Carer’s Allowance - Weekly in advance or every four weeks
Child Benefit - Usually every four weeks, or weekly if you’re a single parent or you or your partner get 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
Pension Credit - Usually every four weeks
Personal Independence Payment - Usually every four weeks
State Pension - Usually every four weeks
Tax credits - Every four weeks or weekly
Universal Credit - Every month

If you don't get your benefit payment, first check double-check the date on your award notice - and then your bank account.

If you've got the right date, and the money isn't there, you should contact the relevant helpline.

Do keep in mind these are unlikely to be open on bank holidays.

Universal Credit:

Benefit payments could arrive early this week (

Image:

Getty Images)

Child benefit:

Tax credits:

Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit and Employment and Support Allowance: