Exact date benefits are paid EARLY this month including universal credit and state pension

MILLIONS of households may see their Universal Credit and other benefit payment dates change this month.

In February there was an extra day as it was a leap year, which saw many payment dates shift. 

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Now Bank Holidays in March and April for Easter mean that you might see cash hit your bank account before your usual payment date.

This year Easter will land on Sunday, March 31, and Easter Monday will be April 1 with Good Friday landing on March 29.

HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) do not pay benefits on Bank Holidays so if you are due to be paid on any of these days you will be paid early. 

Anyone who is due to be paid on Friday, March 29 or Monday, April 1 will receive their payment early on Thursday, March 28. 

If your payment date falls on Saturday, March 30 or Sunday, March 31 you will also receive your payment early on the Thursday too.

Here is a full list of benefits that will be affected by the Bank Holiday and how often they are paid:

• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance 
• Child Benefit 
• Disability Living Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Pension Credit
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• State Pension 
• Tax credits 
• Universal Credit

Will my benefit payment amount change?

The amount you get paid this month shouldn’t change. 

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It will be the same as in previous months unless your circumstances have changed which will affect how much you get paid. 

Don't forget that if you get paid early then you'll have to make the money you get go further, as you'll have extra days to wait until your next payment date.

You will need to make sure you factor this into your monthly budgeting. 

Universal Credit

Here's everything to know about Universal Credit:

• What is Universal Credit? Everything you need to know including how to apply
• Universal Credit calculator: How much can I claim and how do I apply?
• Universal Credit login: How do I sign in to my online account?
• How much can I earn before Universal Credit is reduced and do I get a work allowance?
• What is a Universal Credit advance payment? How to apply and pay it back
• Are Universal Credit payments going up and how much more will I get?
• How to claim Universal Credit if you’re self-employed
• How many hours can I work on Universal Credit and will my payment be reduced?
• What is a Universal Credit budgeting advance and how much could I get?
• What is the Universal Credit housing element and how much of your rent does it pay?

If your money is not paid on time, make sure to double-check the date you get paid normally and contact your bank.

Your next step should be to contact the DWP, can also submit a complaint to the DWP over any unpaid benefits.

We've shared a round-up of 15 freebies and discounts you can get if you are on universal credit and benefits worth up to £13k in March.

Plus the seven major changes you need to be aware of in March including benefits payments, fare hike and Spring Budget.

Universal Credit and a range of other benefits are set to rise within weeks and we reveal the key date to circle in your diary.

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