Millions of people in the United Kingdom will see changes to their benefits this weekend, as August bank holiday arrives.
People who claim carer's allowance, child benefit, state pension, income support and other payments which they expect to arrive on August 31 should be aware that the money may enter their accounts early.
This is because the next bank holiday is on Monday, August 31 - which means all DWP payments due on that day will arrive on Friday, August 28 instead, reports the Mirror.
This includes those in receipt of the carer's allowance and anyone who gets their Universal Credit allowance on a Monday. It also affects child benefit claimants.
Child benefit was first introduced in the 1970s to support working parents with their living costs. Today, it pays around £20.70 a week for the first child and £13.70 per week for subsequent children.
If you or your partner have an income of more than £50,000 a year, you will be liable for the High Income Child Benefit Charge. This means you'll have to pay 1 per cent of every £100 you earn back to the Government at the end of the tax year.
Tax credits meanwhile are entirely separate. This is a benefit paid out to those who need it most, such as families who need help to care for children, those who are disabled workers, and people on low incomes.
There are two types of tax credit – child tax credit and working tax credit. You might be eligible for one or both of them, depending on your circumstances.
We've outlined when you can expect your benefits to come through over the August bank holiday.
Tax credits
Child tax credits and working tax credits can be paid either weekly or monthly.
If you are expecting your tax credit payment on August 31, you'll get it on August 28.
Child benefit, PIP, pension credit, DLA, carer's allowance and the state pension
These benefits are usually paid every four weeks - except in the case of child benefit where single parents can opt to receive it weekly.
If you are expecting payments for any of the above on August 31, you'll get it early on August 28 instead.
ESA and income support
ESA and income support is usually paid every two weeks. If your payment is due on a bank holiday, you'll be paid on the last working day before the holiday. In this case, August 28.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit payment dates tend to vary by person - but you will only be affected if your payment day lands on the Monday.
If your usual monthly payment date falls on August 31, you will get it slightly early on August 28.
When will the money go into my account?
Depending on your bank, funds should be available shortly after midnight on the day they are due, usually in the early hours.
Some banks deposit money into your account around 11.30pm so you can withdraw it before midnight on benefit payday. Others will release your funds at midnight or just a few minutes after that.
But in some cases you have to wait until between 2am and 3am, while others will not let you touch your money until at least 6am on payday.
These are the typical paying-in times for banks:
- Clydesdale, Yorkshire - 11.30pm the night before to 12.30am
- Lloyds - midnight to 1am
- Bank of Scotland - midnight to 1.30am
- Metro Bank - midnight to 2am
- Barclays, Co-op - 1am to 2am
- Natwest, RBS, Ulster Bank, Nationwide - 2am to 3am
- Halifax - 3am to 4am
- HSBC, Santander - 6am to 9am
What to do if your payment fails to arrive
If your payment does not arrive on time, get in touch with your bank or the relevant government department to find out if there is a delay.
Bear in mind that most offices will be closed on Monday, August 31, so contact them on Friday August 28 if you have any concerns.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit live service: 0800 328 9344 (this replaces 0345 600 0723)
Universal Credit full service: 0800 328 5644 (this replaces 0345 600 4272)
Textphone for those with hearing problems: 0800 328 1344
Call between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday (closed on bank holidays).
Tax credits
0345 300 3900 (textphone 0345 300 3909).
Child benefit helpline
Call Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm or Saturday, 8am to 4pm
Telephone: 0300 200 3100
Welsh language: 0300 200 1900
Textphone: 0300 200 3103
PIP enquiry line
Telephone: 0800 121 4433
Textphone: 0800 121 4493 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
DLA enquiry line
Telephone: 0800 121 4600
Textphone: 0800 121 4523 Monday to Friday, 8am to 7:30pm
ESA and 'new style' ESA helpline
Telephone: 0800 169 0310
Textphone: 0800 169 0314
Welsh language: 0800 328 1744
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Pension credit claim line
Telephone: 0800 99 1234
Textphone: 0800 169 0133 Monday to Friday, 8am to 7:30pm
