As May approaches, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and other benefit claimants are being advised to take note of upcoming bank holidays, as it may affect their payment schedules.
Both May 6 and May 27 have been designated as bank holidays, meaning that Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit payments won’t be processed on these dates.
To mitigate the impact, those expecting payments on either of these bank holiday dates may receive their funds earlier. Payments due on May 6 will be issued on May 3, while payments scheduled for May 27 will be sent on May 24.
While receiving payments ahead of schedule may seem advantageous, claimants should be aware that they will need to budget their funds to cover the extended period until the next payment date after the bank holidays.
The affected benefits include a range of crucial financial support, such as Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Child Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit, State Pension, Tax Credits, and Universal Credit.
Claimants of Universal Credit, in particular, are reminded of their obligation to inform the DWP if they plan to travel abroad. Any changes in circumstances, including international travel, must be reported to the DWP promptly. Failure to do so may result in a loss of benefit entitlement or interruption of payments.
The DWP advises that claimants can continue to receive Universal Credit for up to one month while abroad, provided they remain eligible for the benefit and inform their work coach about their travel plans. However, moving abroad permanently renders individuals ineligible for Universal Credit.
Exceptions exist for circumstances such as medical treatment, recovery, or accompanying a partner or child abroad for similar reasons, where Universal Credit may still be accessible for up to six months.
Claimants planning travel can report changes in circumstances to the DWP by calling 0800 121 4433. It is essential to ensure compliance with reporting requirements to avoid any disruption in benefit payments.
