Easter 2022 Universal Credit and benefits payment dates: will you get paid early?
BENEFIT claimants could get paid EARLY this week because of the Easter weekend.
Bank holidays mean you might see payments hit your bank account before the four-day break.
Universal credit (UC) is a monthly payment aimed at helping low-income or unemployed households with living expenses.
If your payment date falls on a bank holiday then this usually means you'll get paid early on the last working day before.
Your usual payment date depends on when you first applied and when your application for UC benefits was approved - there is no set day for everyone.
Usually you receive your first payment seven days after the end of your initial assessment period.
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Your UC is then paid on that date each following month.
For example, if your assessment period ends on April 5, you would be paid on April 12, and then on the twelfth of each subsequent month.
But when a payment date lands on a weekend or bank holiday, the money is often paid out one working day earlier.
Christmas Day and Box Day fell on Saturday and Sunday, meaning the following Monday and Tuesday were bank holidays.
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That meant Universal Credit claimants due to be paid on those days instead got their money on December 24.
This year, the Easter bank holiday falls in April, with Good Friday on April 15 and Easter Monday on April 18.
So if your payment is due on any of the dates between April 15 and April 18, you should expect to be paid the Thursday before, on April 14.
This will be adjusted automatically, so there’s no need to do anything.
If your payment falls outside of these dates, you shouldn't expect any changes at all.
Will any other benefit payments be affected?
Other benefit schemes are likely to follow the same date changes too.
So those on Employment support allowance, Jobseeker's allowance, Carer's allowance, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payments, Attendance allowance should note this change.
State Pension payments will also be made early - and your National Insurance number reveals if this applies to you.
Will the amount of Universal Credit paid change?
No. Despite the date change, the amount paid remains the same, unless your circumstances change - in which case you may be awarded more or less.
Keep this in mind when budgeting or planning your expenses, as being paid earlier means you’ll have to make money stretch further until the next month’s payment.
Are there any other dates that affect my Universal Credit payment?
After Easter, the next bank holiday in line is May 2, which falls on a Monday.
This means claimants who get paid on this day of the month should instead be paid the Friday beforehand, which is April 29.
Scotland and Northern Ireland bank holidays differ to those in England, meaning UC payment dates will differ too.
What if my Universal Credit is delayed?
If you don’t receive your benefit payment one working day before the bank holiday, you should contact DWP directly.
You can also submit a complaint to them to get a problem sorted if your payment is wrong.
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