Millions of people receiving Universal Credit and other benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are being urged to check their payment dates, as changes are set to take effect next week.
Due to February having only 28 days this year, payments that were originally scheduled for the 29th, 30th, or 31st of the month will be brought forward. Additionally, those due on March 1st and 2nd will also receive their money earlier.
If you claim Universal Credit, it’s important to check your bank account on Friday, February 28, as payments will be arriving sooner than expected.
Who Will Be Affected?
The changes will mainly impact Universal Credit claimants, as payments are scheduled monthly based on the date of the first payment. However, other DWP benefits could also be affected if the normal payment date falls on a weekend or bank holiday.
Since February has only 28 days, claimants expecting payments on:
- February 29 (as this is not a leap year and there is no 29th)
- February 30 (which doesn’t exist)
- February 31 (which doesn’t exist)
… will receive their money on Friday, February 28 instead.
Additionally, since March 1st falls on a Saturday and March 2nd falls on a Sunday, any payments due on these dates will also be made on Friday, February 28.
Revised Universal Credit Payment Schedule
Here’s a summary of the DWP payment changes for next week:
Original Payment Date | New Payment Date | Reason for Change |
---|---|---|
February 29 | February 28 | as this is not a leap year and there is no 29th |
February 30 | February 28 | February never has 30 days |
February 31 | February 28 | February never has 31 days |
March 1 | February 28 | Falls on a Saturday |
March 2 | February 28 | Falls on a Sunday |
Why Are These Changes Happening?
Universal Credit is normally paid on the same date each month rather than a fixed weekday. If the usual payment date falls on a weekend or a non-existent date, the DWP adjusts the schedule to ensure claimants receive their money on the nearest working day before the original date.
This means that while claimants will receive their payments earlier, they will have to make them last longer until the next scheduled payment in March.
What Should You Do?
Check your bank account on Friday, February 28 to confirm the payment has arrived.
Budget carefully, as the next payment will follow your usual monthly cycle.
Plan ahead, as any issues with missing or incorrect payments can only be addressed from Monday, March 3, when DWP offices reopen.
If you’re on Universal Credit or other DWP benefits, it’s crucial to check for early payments on February 28 due to February’s shorter month and the weekend dates in early March. While receiving money early may seem beneficial, it’s important to manage your budget carefully, as this means a longer gap until the next payment.
For any issues, claimants should contact the DWP from Monday, March 3 when normal services resume.
Source: Link
FAQ’s
Why is my Universal Credit payment arriving early?
Payments scheduled for February 29, 30, 31, or March 1-2 are being brought forward to February 28 because these dates don’t exist or fall on a weekend.
Who will be affected by the DWP payment date changes?
Universal Credit claimants and some other benefit recipients whose payment dates fall on February 29, 30, 31, March 1, or March 2.
When will I receive my Universal Credit payment?
If your payment was due on February 29, 30, 31, or March 1-2, you will receive it early on Friday, February 28.
Will my next Universal Credit payment be delayed?
No, but since you are receiving your February/March payment early, it will need to last longer before your next scheduled payment.
What should I do if my Universal Credit payment doesn’t arrive?
Check your bank account on February 28. If the payment is missing or incorrect, contact DWP on Monday, March 3, when offices reopen.