Pensioners are in line for an early cash boost on Friday from the DWP.
The DWP doesn’t pay benefits on bank holidays so normal payment dates have been brought forward (Image: Getty)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is sending out payments of up to £441 to many state pensioners today thanks to a change in payment schedules. The payment date change is due to a second May bank holiday which falls on Monday, May 26, which will disrupt normal payments for many pensioners receiving Attendance Allowance.
The DWP usually pays Attendance Allowance every four weeks, with your exact payment date depending on your circumstances, such as when you first claimed the benefit. The State Pension, for example, is paid on different days of the week depending on your National Insurance number, with the last two digits dictating the day of the week you receive your payment. Attendance Allowance is a benefit available to those who have reached State Pension age and have a health condition or disability to help with extra living costs.
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DWP sending £921 to state pensioners before Saturday if they have two-digit code
It is paid at two different rates and the amount you can get is dependent on the level of care you need. The lower rate is worth £73.90 per week (or £295.60 every four weeks) and is given to those who need frequent help or constant supervision during the day or at night.
The higher rate is paid at a rate of £110.40 per week (or £441.60 every four weeks) and is given to those who need help or supervision throughout the day and night, or if a medical professional has said you’re nearing the end of life.
Claimants who would normally get their Attendance Allowance paid on Monday, May 26, will instead receive their payment three days early this week due to the bank holiday.
The DWP doesn’t pay benefits on weekends or bank holidays so normal payment dates have been brought forward, meaning claimants will instead receive their benefit today, on Friday, May 23, as this is the last working day before the bank holiday.
Other DWP benefits may also be paid early including the State Pension, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payments (PIP), Carer’s Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Explaining the change, the DWP said: “If you are due to be paid on 26 May, you will be paid on 23 May. Please contact us straight away if there is a problem with your payment
“Benefits are usually paid straight into your bank, building society or credit union account. If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday you’ll usually be paid on the working day before.”
