Millions of Brits will receive their essential financial support before the August bank holiday weekend.
This comes as the Government has confirmed that benefit payments will be brought forward to Friday 22 August, ahead of the bank holiday. The changes come ahead of the new school year to support families and carers with spending. The Department for Work & Pensions will ensure that payments originally scheduled for the weekend of 23-25 August reach recipients on time.
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: “We know how much families rely on these payments, and by bringing them forward ahead of the bank holiday we’re ensuring no one has to worry about whether their support will be there when they need it most.
“This is especially important ahead of the new school year – no family should have to choose between buying school supplies and putting food on the table.”
Nearly 4 million households will see an annual income boost estimated to be worth £725 cash as a Bill to overhaul the welfare system completes the next stage of its passage through Parliament.
Anyone due to receive one of these payments will get their money several days earlier than usual. According to the DWP, this change is to make sure recipients aren’t impacted by banks and government offices closing over the bank holiday weekend.
The chanfge applies across the entire United Kingdom (Scotland follows the same principle despite different bank holiday arrangements). It affects the following benefits:
