Families who claim benefits will want to make a note of when they can expect to be paid over the second May bank holiday.
The second May bank holiday is always on the last Monday of the month - this year it falls on May 31.
If you normally get your benefit payment on this day, it is likely you will be paid on a different date.
The same happened on the first May bank holiday, which was on Monday, May 3.
Keep in mind that if you get paid earlier, you will need to make your money last longer as there will be a longer wait until your next payment.
Benefit payment dates for the second May bank holiday
If you claim Universal Credit, tax credits or child benefit, and your payment is due on Monday, May 31, you can expect to be paid the Friday before, so May 28.
Universal Credit is paid on the same day each month. Tax credits are typically paid every four weeks or weekly, while child benefit is usually every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday.
Other benefits like PIP and ESA are expected to follow the same pattern if your payment date is on the bank holiday, so it is likely you will be paid early.
You will not need to do anything if you are being paid early, as the money will still come through as normal.
When did benefits get paid on the first May bank holiday?
Universal Credit, tax credits or child benefit claimants were paid early on the first May bank holiday.
So payments that were due on Monday, May 3, actually dropped on the Friday before, so April 30.
The same went for people who claim PIP and ESA, in that they got their money the previous working day.
What if I don't get paid?
If you don't get your benefit payment when you expected to, first check double-check the date on your award notice and 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:
- Call for free: 0800 328 9344
- Welsh speaking: 0800 012 1888
Textphone: 0800 328 1344
Child benefit:
- Call for free: 0300 200 3100
- Outside UK: +44 161 210 3086
Tax credits:
- Call HMRC for free: 0345 300 3900
- From outside the UK: +44 2890 538 192
Other benefits:
- Call for free: 0800 328 9344
- Welsh speaking: 0800 328 1744
- Textphone: 0800 169 0314
