UNIVERSAL Credit and other benefit claimants could see their benefits paid early in the run-up to Easter this year.
Easter Sunday falls on Sunday April 12 in 2020 with two bank holidays wrapped around it on Friday April 10 and Monday April 13.
But if your Universal Credit and other benefit payments are due on Friday April 10, it will be brought forward by one day to Thursday April 9.
Similarly, if your payment is due on Monday April 13, it will be brought forward by four days, also to Thursday April 9.
You don't need to do anything to get this payment early as it will take force automatically.
And the amount you get won't change as a result of the payment being brought forward – it will only change if you've also had a change in circumstances.
What's happening to my Easter benefit payments?
HERE'S what's happening if your benefits and Universal Credit payments are due over the Easter 2020 bank holiday:
- Payment due Friday April 10? It will be brought forward by one day to Thursday April 9.
- Payment due Monday April 13? It will be brought forward by four days to Thursday April 9.
The amount you get won't change and no other payment dates are affected.
The Sun has asked the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) how many people this affects and we'll update this story as soon as we get a response, but it impacts all types of benefit payment.
In addition, it's worth noting that the government's Universal Credit and benefits offices, and helpline, are also closed on Friday April 10 and Monday April 13.
They're normally open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, so over Easter they'll remain closed from 6pm on Thursday April 9 until 8am on Tuesday April 14.
Jobcentres will also be closed on Friday April 10 and Monday April 13, although their usual opening times vary by location.
All other benefit and Universal Credit payments made outside of these two dates will be paid as normal.
What to do if you have problems claiming Universal Credit
IF you're experiencing trouble applying for your Universal Credit, or the payments just don't cover costs, here are your options:
Apply for an advance – Claimants are able to get some cash within five days rather than waiting weeks for their first payment. But it's a loan which means the repayments will be automatically deducted from your future Universal Credit pay out.
Alternative Payment Arrangements– If you're falling behind on rent, you or your landlord may be able to apply for an APA which will get your payment sent directly to your landlord. You might also be able to change your payments to get them more frequently, or you can split the payments if you're part of a couple.
Budgeting Advance – You may be able to get help from the government to help with emergency household costs of up to £348 if you're single, £464 if you're part of a couple or £812 if you have children. These are only in cases like your cooker breaking down or for help getting a job. You'll have to repay the advance through your regular Universal Credit payments. You'll still have to repay the loan, even if you stop claiming for Universal Credit.
Cut your Council Tax – You might be able to get a discount on your Council Tax or be entitled to Discretionary Housing Payments if your payments aren't enough to cover your rent.
Foodbanks – If you're really hard up and struggling to buy food and toiletries, you can find your local foodbank who will provide you with help for free. You can find your nearest one on the Trussel Trust website.
Lords minister for DWP, Baroness Stedman-Scott said: “Everyone should be able to make the most of the upcoming bank holiday without worry of when they’ll receive their benefit payment.
"That’s why we’re making some payments early, to ensure no one has to wait for the money they are entitled to.”
We explain how the leap year will affect your Universal Credit payments.
Plus, we've rounded-up eight ways to get around Universal Credit and jobcentre issues.
And here's how much Universal Credit you're likely to get.
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