You may want to check if you are affected by the payment changes
Those claiming DWP benefits may want to check when their next payment is due. The Government department has issued a reminder that some changes to the usual schedule are on the way.
In a message posted on social media on May 21, the DWP said: “Child Benefit payment update. Due to the upcoming May bank holiday, some customers may receive their Child Benefit payment early.” The department also included a link to Government guidance on the matter.
Child Benefit is paid in four-weekly instalments and typically lands on a Monday or Tuesday. Those due to receive a payment on Monday, May 25, will instead receive it on Friday, May 22.
It is worth checking whether you are eligible to claim Child Benefit if you have any children in your care. You can receive £27.05 a week for your eldest child and £17.90 a week for each subsequent child.
This means that if you have two children, you would receive £179.80 during each four-week payment period. However, you may be required to repay a portion of your claim depending on your earnings.
If you or your partner have an individual income of £60,000 a year, you must repay 1 per cent of your claim for every £100 earned above this threshold. The full amount must be repaid once your individual income reaches £80,000.
Other payment changes
It is standard practice for the DWP to bring forward payments whenever a bank holiday falls on a scheduled payment date. The group has confirmed that anyone due a payment on Monday, May 25, will receive their money on Friday, May 22.
This applies to Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and the state pension. It may also be worth taking this opportunity to check whether you are entitled to additional benefits.
You can find out if you are eligible for further financial support by using a benefits calculator. There are several available online, including the tool on the Turn2us website.
