FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Full list of benefits paid early this month including Universal Credit – are your payment dates changing?
How to complain if your benefits payment is missed
SEVERAL benefits including Universal Credit will be paid early for some households this month.
Thousands who normally receive payments directly in their bank accounts on a certain date each month should expect this change.
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That's because there are fewer days in February, plus it's a leap year.
There are 29 days instead of the usual 28, but still less than the usual 30 or 31 days in other months.
Those who get their benefits paid on the 30th or 31st of the month will receive them on February 29 instead.
As usual, if your payment date falls on a weekend, you will be paid the first working day before.
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The change is similar to how those on benefits receive payments earlier when their usual pay date lands on a bank holiday.
But not everyone on benefits will see their payment dates change this month. Just those on the following:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State pension
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Child Benefit
- Guardian’s Allowance
- Universal Credit
If your normal payment date is the 28th of the month, you won't be affected and should receive your money as usual.
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If you receive a State Pension, you shouldn't notice any change to your payments either.
This is because your National Insurance number dictates what day of the week you receive your pension money.
State pension is paid every four weeks and the day you're paid usually depends on the last two digits of this identification number.
Will my benefit amount change?
Simply put, no. The amount you receive shouldn't change and will be the same as in previous months.
That's unless you've had a change of circumstances that affects what you receive.
You don't need to do anything if your usual date for receiving benefit payments is affected by the leap year.
But of course, bear in mind if you do get paid earlier you will need to make the money last longer than usual.
If you do usually get paid on the 30 or 31 of each month and don't receive it on the 29, double-check the date you get paid normally and contact your bank. Failing that, contact the DWP.
You can also submit a complaint to the DWP over any unpaid benefits.
Millions of households nationwide can claim several cold weather payments to help with heating costs this winter.
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Plus, thousands of people on Universal Credit could be missing out on an extra £5,483 a year.
We share an easy move to help you get what you’re owed.
How do I apply for Universal Credit?
HERE'S all you need to know about applying for Universal Credit.
You'll need to apply to the new welfare system via the , starting by setting up an online account.
To make an account, you'll need an email address and a phone number.
After that, you'll need to answer a set of questions about your current circumstances, known as your "to do list".
These include things like when you last received payment for a job, what your household income is and how many people depend on you financially.
If you've lost your job, Citizens Advice recommends that you don't apply until you've received your final wages or any final holiday pay.
This is because any money you receive after you've applied for Universal Credit will count as income and mean that you're entitled to less in your first payment.
You will then need to confirm your identity online.
In certain circumstances, you'll be able to apply over the phone, such as those who don't have regular access to the internet, are visually impaired, or have a physical condition that stops you from using a computer or smartphone.
To do this, you will need to contact the Universal Credit helpline to ask if you can apply by phone or arrange a home visit.
In this case, someone can call them on your behalf if you can't do it yourself.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Plus, you can join our Facebook group to share your tips and stories.
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