The government will bring forward benefit payments for millions of people to Friday, August 28, ahead of the August bank holiday weekend. The payments were originally scheduled for Monday, August 31, which is a bank holiday.
According to the Department for Work and Pensions, the early payments will affect Universal Credit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance. Other benefits such as Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit, Employment Support Allowance, and Industrial Injuries Compensation Scheme will also be paid early.
Government says early payments provide financial certainty
The government stated that the early payments will “provide financial certainty for families as they prepare for the new school year” and allow “parents and carers to plan their spending with confidence.”
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: “We’re pleased to confirm that benefit payments due on the August bank holiday will be paid earlier. This will help ensure families and older people receive their money without disruption over the bank holiday period.”
Timms added: “This Government is determined to ensure people up and down the country have the support and breathing room they need, which is why we’ve acted to take money off energy bills, increase the National Minimum Wage and lift half a million children out of poverty, as well as supporting people into good, secure jobs.”
Full list of benefits paid early
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Personal Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Employment Support Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Compensation Scheme
The school year for most local schools and councils will start on Tuesday, September 1.
Additional cost-of-living measures
The government has also rolled out other measures to help families with the cost of living, including capping bus fares at £2 and cutting taxes on household energy bills.
From September, a new law will limit school uniforms to three items with a school logo, such as a blazer, jumper, or sportswear, plus a tie for secondary schools. Ministers hope this will save families up to £50 per child.
