The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HMRC are planning to adjust the payment schedules for ten means-tested benefits soon. As a result, many individuals who rely on welfare support, such as Universal Credit, will see a change in their payment dates. When bank holidays or weekends coincide with payment dates, the funds are typically released on the last working day before. This means that payments due on Monday, August 25 will be issued on Friday, August 22 instead.
Beneficiaries expecting payments on August 23 or 24 will also receive their funds on August 22. The decision to pay benefits early in August will not affect the payment amount unless there have been changes in the recipient’s circumstances. It is important to manage the early payment carefully as there will be a longer gap until the next payment date.
In case of any issues with receiving the benefit payment on August 22, individuals should promptly contact the DWP. If there are discrepancies in the payment amount, they can file a complaint with the department to address the problem. In a related development, parents are advised to take action promptly to avoid missing out on Child Benefit payments. HMRC is reaching out to parents of teenagers for updates on their children’s education plans. Child Benefit currently amounts to £26.05 weekly for the eldest or only child, with an additional £17.25 per week for each extra child.
Child Benefit payments will cease automatically on/after a child’s 16th birthday unless parents renew the claim when the child continues in education. Parents must inform HMRC by August 31 if their children are continuing their education to ensure uninterrupted payments. The benefit can be received until the child reaches 19 years old if they are enrolled in an apprenticeship program or certain education schemes. Additionally, Child Benefit continues for children on approved unpaid training courses.
