DWP issues reminder of benefit payment changes over bank holiday weekend

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that benefits will be paid slightly earlier than usual this month, due to the upcoming bank holiday.

There are three bank holidays this May, including an extra Monday off to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. The first bank holiday will fall on Monday, May 1, with the other two on Monday May 8 and Monday May 29.

Posting an update on Twitter, the DWP said that payments due on Monday, May 1 will instead be paid on Friday, April 28. The government department wrote: "Information for claimants already receiving payments:

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"If you are due to be paid on 1 May, you will be paid on 28 Apr. Please contact us straight away if there is a problem with your payment. For more information and contact details visit https://gov.uk/how-to-have-your-benefits-paid".

Benefits are usually paid straight into a claimant's bank, building society or credit union account. If a payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday, it will usually be paid on the working day before. However this may differ for tax credits and Child Benefit.

It comes as millions of eligible households received their first cost of living payment of the year. The DWP has began processing the £301 instalment, which could hit bank accounts anytime between now and May 17.

The payment is the first of three, totalling £900 in support. Another payment of £300 will arrive in the autumn, while a third and final payment of £299 will be paid during spring 2024.

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