Benefit payments 2022: what are the new dates for child benefit and Universal Credit over Easter Bank Holiday?

The Department of Work and Pensions has revealed the new dates for benefit payments over the upcoming Easter, May and Queen’s Platinum Jubilee bank holidays.

Those receiving payments including Universal Credit, child benefit, tax credits and other government support will have their payment dates changed over Easter due to the two bank holidays of Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Similar changes will occur over the May Bank Holiday and the public holidays marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June.

Here are the key dates for your diary over the spring holiday.

When will I receive payments over the bank holidays?

If you are due to be paid on Friday 15 April, you’ll get your money a day early on Thursday 14 April instead, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) said.

If you are due to be paid on Monday 18 April, you’ll also be paid three days earlier on Thursday 14 April.

This covers most benefits including tax credits, pension payments and Universal Credit if your usual payment date falls on a public holiday.

A similar change will happen over the May Bank Holiday - if your payment date lands on Monday 2 May you can expect your payment on Friday 29 April.

Your payment date will also change over the public holidays marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

If your payment date falls on Thursday 2 June or Friday 3 June you can expect to receive your cash on Wednesday 1 June as those days are public holidays.

If the amount you’re getting or expecting to get is not enough, you can apply for a hardship payment - but you will have to pay this back.

You can find out more about this on the Government website.

What is the new payment date for Child Benefit?

From April, child benefit is rising to £21.80 per week and £14.45 per week for additional children.

Currently the benefit pays £21.15 a week for the first child and £14.95 a week for subsequent children to qualifying parents.

If you are due to be paid on Friday 15 April you’ll be paid on 14 April 14 instead.

If you are due to be paid on Monday 18 April you will receive your payment on 14 April.

If your payment date falls on a normal day that’s not a bank holiday, then you’ll get your payment as normal.

There is no need to contact the DWP as all payments are automatic.

Does the date change apply to tax credit?

Tax credits is a benefit paid to families who need it most, such as those who need help to care for children, are disabled or have low incomes.

It works as a separate system and there are two types of tax credit - child tax credit and working tax credit.

You could be eligible for one or both of them, depending on your circumstances.

Payment dates:

Due: Friday 15 April 2022 - Paid: Thursday 14 April 2022

Due: Monday 18 April 2022 - Paid: Thursday 14 April 2022

When will I receive my Universal Credit payment?

Depending on your ‘assessment period’ the date you receive your Universal Credit will change around Easter.

This period starts on the date when you first made a claim for the benefit, and you will then receive cash each calendar month afterwards.

Funds are usually released seven days after the initial assessment period ends.

If you’re expecting to get your money on Friday 15 April or Monday 18 April, you can expect to have the cash in your bank account on Thursday 14 April.

Payment dates:

Due: Friday 15 April 2022 - Paid: Thursday 14 April 2022

Due: Monday 18 April 2022 - Paid: Thursday 14 April 2022

What about other benefit payments over Easter?

If you are due a payment on either Easter Friday or Easter Monday, the support will come through on the Thursday beforehand instead.

The benefit payments this also applies to are: Attendance Allowance, the state pension, Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit and Personal Independence Payments.

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