The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HMRC are planning significant adjustments to ten means-tested benefits in the near future. As a result, many individuals who currently receive welfare payments, including Universal Credit, will see a change in their payment schedule. Payments that would typically fall on a bank holiday or weekend will now be issued on the preceding working day. For example, payments scheduled for August 25 will be made on August 22 instead.
In light of this, beneficiaries expecting payments on August 23 or 24 will also receive their funds on August 22. This development follows concerns raised about potential DWP payment issues for state pensioners. The DWP and HMRC will be releasing these benefits early in August, with the payment amounts remaining consistent unless there have been changes in the recipient’s circumstances.
Beneficiaries are advised to budget wisely as an early payment means a longer wait until the subsequent payment date. If a payment is not received as expected on August 22, individuals should promptly contact the DWP. Any discrepancies in payments can be addressed by lodging a complaint with the relevant government department.
Meanwhile, parents are being reminded to act promptly to avoid interruptions in their Child Benefit payments. HMRC is reaching out to parents of teenagers to gather information on their children’s future education plans. Child Benefit amounts to £26.05 weekly for the eldest or only child, with an additional £17.25 per week for each subsequent child. Payments cease automatically on or after a child’s 16th birthday, unless parents renew their claim when the child remains in education.
Parents must inform HMRC by August 31 if their child is continuing education to avoid payment interruptions. Child Benefit can be extended until a child reaches 19 and is enrolled in an apprenticeship program or certain approved education schemes. The benefit also continues for children in specific unpaid training courses.