DWP urges millions of people to check bank accounts tomorrow after rule change

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging millions of people claiming benefits including Universal Credit to check their bank accounts tomorrow.

Benefit payments that were due this Monday bank holiday (August 25) will be paid tomorrow (August 22) instead. This will apply to all major benefits including Universal Credit, Child Benefit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance.

If you're due to be paid early, keep in mind that you'll need to make your money last longer, as you'll have a bigger gap between now and your next benefit payment.

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Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, said: "We know how much families rely on these payments, and by bringing them forward ahead of the bank holiday we're ensuring no one has to worry about whether their support will be there when they need it most.

"This is especially important ahead of the new school year – no family should have to choose between buying school supplies and putting food on the table.

"This is what our Plan for Change is all about - putting working families and the most vulnerable first and ensuring every family has the security they need to plan for the future."

When are DWP and HMRC benefits normally paid?

How often you get paid depends on what type of benefit you claim. For example, you’ll get paid Universal Credit on the same day each month, while Tax Credits are typically paid by HMRC 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

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

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

• Call for free: 0800 169 0310

• Textphone: 0800 169 0314

• Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 169 0310