Exact date benefits will be paid EARLY this month, including universal credit and pension

MILLIONS of households may see their Universal Credit and other benefit dates change this month, thanks to the Easter holidays.

Last month had an extra day because it was a leap year, when the date of many payments shifted.

Millions of households will be wondering whether their benefits will be affected this monthCredit: Alamy

Easter holidays can also mean the money reaches your bank account before the usual payment date.

This year Easter falls on Sunday March 31 and Easter Monday on April 1 with Good Friday on March 29.

HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) do not pay benefits on public holidays, so if you are due on one of these days you will be paid early.

Anyone who is due on Friday, March 29 or Monday, April 1 will receive their payment early on March 28.

If your payment date falls on Saturday March 30 or Sunday March 31, you will also receive your payment early on March 28.

Here is a full list of benefits that affect the holiday and how often they are paid:

Attendance allowance
Healthcare allowance
Child benefits
Housing benefit for the disabled
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Income support
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Pension credit
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
AOW
Tax credits
Universal credit

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Universal credit

Here’s everything you need to know about Universal Credit:

Will the amount of my benefit change?

The amount you are paid this month may not change.

It will be the same as in previous months unless your circumstances have changed, which will affect the amount you get paid.

Remember, if you get paid early, you’ll have to continue earning the money you get because you’ll have an extra day to wait until your next payment date.

You need to make sure you factor this into your monthly budgeting.

March is longer than February, so you’ll need to delay your payments a little further this month.

If your money is not paid on time, check the date you normally get paid and contact your bank.

Your next step should be to contact the DWP. You can also complain to the DWP about any unpaid benefits.

We’ve shared a round-up of 15 freebies and discounts you can get if you have Universal Credit and benefits worth up to £13,000 in March.

Plus the seven most important changes to consider in March, including benefits, rate increases and spring budget.

Universal Credit and a range of other benefits are set to rise in just weeks and we reveal the important date to circle in your diary.

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