The DWP benefits being paid early this Easter – including Child Benefit and Universal Credit
Amber Middleton
Content writerThe Easter holidays mean thousands will be paid benefits, including Child Benefit and Universal Credit, early next month. Here's what families need to know…
Easter is fast approaching which means Easter eggs, a few extra days off work and school holidays.
But there are also financial changes that come with the long weekend.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has explained that the bank holidays can affect those claiming a whole host of benefits including Universal Credit and Child Benefit.
And your payment dates could be affected.
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Why will my benefits date change?
The Easter bank holidays will affect the working week, meaning if you're expecting a benefit payment over the long weekend, you will instead receive it on a different day.
This is because the DWP does not typically make benefit payments on bank holidays or weekends.
A spokesperson from the DWP explained that those expecting benefits from 29 March to 1 April will be paid early, on Thursday 28 March, instead.
When are the bank holidays that can affect my payment dates?
- Good Friday – 29 March
- Easter Monday – 1 April
You will also be paid early if your benefit date falls on the weekend, either Saturday 30 March or Sunday 31 March.
Anyone expecting their benefit to come in on any of the above dates will instead receive it on Thursday 28 March.
Which benefits will be affected?
This can affect claimants of any of the following benefits, depending on what day or date your benefit is usually paid:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment
- State Pension
- Tax credits
- Universal Credit
Will I be paid the same amount?
You will be paid the same as every other month, assuming your circumstances remain the same. This is because benefit amounts are worked out for the full year and divided into 12 months. This means you'll always get the same amount despite your benefits sometimes being paid early, and some months being longer or shorter.
However, this does mean you may have to wait longer for your benefit payment the following month. The DWP has said this means recipients must budget accordingly to cover expenses.
When should I alert the DWP?
You should receive your payment automatically. If you haven't received it on the day you expect, contact the relevant helpline for your benefit. These can all be found on the government website.
However, most helplines will be closed over the weekend and on the bank holidays.
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