The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that benefits due to be paid on certain dates in April will be made early.
As the impact of the coronavirus outbreak intensifies and concerns over cash become even more important, it’s essential to know what money you’ll have coming in and when to expect it.
If anyone is due to receive a benefit payment, including Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance (ESA) or if they’re still on Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), over the Easter weekend, they will receive it early.
Easter Sunday falls on April 12 and all benefit offices and phone lines will be closed on Friday, April 10 and Monday, April 13, due to bank holidays and reopen on Tuesday, April 14 - unless service hours change due to Covid-19.
Which means if you were due to be paid on the following dates, the actual pay date will be on the first working day before.
- If your payment due date is Friday, April 10, the actual pay date will be Thursday, April 9.
- If your payment due date is Monday, April 13, the actual pay date will be Thursday, April 9.
Some people may wonder whether this means they will get paid a different amount. However, the DWP has confirmed that if a person is paid early, they will receive their usual payment.
What is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is paid monthly in arrears to those who need it to help with living costs.
If you are on a low income or unable to work, you may be entitled to Universal Credit.
In light of the changes to our day-to-day lives due to coronavirus, many more are expected to apply for the benefit.
Check if you can claim Universal Credit HERE.
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