People receiving state benefits may receive their payments earlier than usual due to next week's bank holiday. Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said that all Jobcentre Plus offices and phone lines will be closed on Monday, 27 May.
They have also confirmed that those due to receive a payment on that day should see the money in their bank account on Friday 24 May.
On Monday, people expecting to receive a state pension or benefits, including Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), should check their bank account on Friday to make sure the payment has been made. Otherwise, they should contact the relevant DWP department as soon as possible.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) also announced similar changes, with its offices, webchat and phone lines closing on Monday and reopening on Tuesday 28 May.
This measure will only apply to child benefit and tax credits due on Monday; payments due on Tuesday will not be affected, reports the Daily Record.
The DWP said: "Offices and phone lines are closed on Monday, 27 May. To ensure that people receive their payment on a day when Jobcentre Plus offices are open, some payments will be made earlier."
DWP Payment Date Change
Payments from the DWP, which were due on Monday 27 May, will arrive on Friday 24 May. The payments are as follows:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State Pension
- Universal Credit
Any changes to the pay date will only affect the benefits listed above, due on the public holiday.
Changes to HMRC Payment Date
HMRC payments due on Monday 27 May will be made on Friday 24 May. Payments involved:
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Child Benefit
- Guardian’s Allowance
Claimants may benefit in the short term from receiving money a few days before the usual payment date, but it is important to remember that they will have to wait a little longer for the next scheduled payment.
Beneficiaries are therefore advised to budget carefully and ensure that existing resources can cover the extended periods until additional benefits are paid.
Further advice can be obtained from the DWP website or by contacting customer service centres for beneficiaries with individual queries.
