Many people will see their benefit payment dates move again soon, due to 3 bank holidays in the same month!

Thousands of people who claim benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will be paid on different dates next month.

Usually benefits are paid straight into bank, building society or credit union accounts, on a regular basis. They are usually paid once a month, every 4 weeks, or fortnightly, depending which benefit(s) you claim.

But in May, the 3 bank holidays – on May 1, 8 and 29 mean benefits, including Universal Credit and Child Benefit, will be paid slightly earlier.

And while money arriving earlier may seem like a good thing, payment dates will revert to normal in June, meaning longer between payments, so some people may have to budget accordingly.

• Child Benefit increased on 10 April, see the new rates
• Find out what the 2023 Spring Budget means for your family's finances here
• Families on Universal Credit could miss out on Cost of Living payments
• More than 1 million families lose child benefit

Which benefits will be affected?

Benefits that could be affected by the May bank holidays include:

• Attendance Allowance
• Carer's Allowance
• Child Benefit
• Disability Living Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Jobseeker's Allowance
• Universal Credit
• Tax credits (such as Working Tax Credit)

When will payments be made?*

If your payment date is on a weekend or the above bank holidays, your payment date will move.

Typically, DWP payments are made when offices and lines are open and on nationally recognised bank holidays when offices are closed, payments are made on the first working day prior to the affected date.

Here's the latest information on when benefits payments are likely to be made:

• Early May bank holiday – Payments will be made on Friday, 28 April rather than Monday, 1 May
• King Charles III's Coronation bank holiday – Payments will be made on Friday, 5 May rather than Monday, 8 May
• Spring bank holiday – Payments will be made on Friday, 26 May rather than Monday, 29 May
• Summer bank holiday – Payments will be made on 25 August rather than 28 August
• Festive period – Payments due on 25, 26 and 27 December will be paid on 22 December

*Disclaimer: Please note that we recommend contacting your local office for confirmation; Netmums bears no responsibility for benefits not received.

More help with your money

We know that, with the Cost of Living crisis continuing, cash can be tight.

Check out some of our advice below for more help with your money, from budgeting to debt to what to do in a crisis.

1 Budget eating

If money is tight, budget eating can be a good way to make your cash go further. But cooking on a budget doesn't need to mean sacrificing taste!

Check out our great budget cooking meal ideas for some tasty inspiration, from easy casserole dishes to quick baking recipes for some delicious snacks. Plus, follow our budget menu planning tips to help you get everything organised.

2 Food banks

If you find you are struggling to get enough food to feed your family, a local food bank can help you.

There are over 2,000 local food banks all over the UK and you can find your local food bank on The Trussell Trust website or by searching online.

You can also call The Trussell Trust on their confidential free helpline on 0808 208 2138 .

3 What to do in a money crisis

It can be difficult to know what to do when you find yourself in a money crisis, especially when you're under stress.

If you don't know where to turn next and need help and support, there are organisations to help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Find out who to turn to and how to get support here.

4 Money and debt

Making ends meet when you have children is often difficult, and managing debt can be confusing and stressful.

Have a read through our money and debt advice pages to help you every step of the way. We've got information on budgeting, saving money, benefits and entitlements , and money after separation or divorce, as well as borrowing and debt.

Looking for more ways to save? Check out the articles below for our best frugal living tips, and head over to the Forum to share your cost-cutting ideas with other parents.

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