HOUSEHOLDS on Universal Credit and other benefits should take note of a big change this week.
Jobcentre Plus offices and phone lines are closed on bank holidays so will be shut on Good Friday and Easter Monday (April 18 and 21).
Jobcentre Plus offices and the National Jobcentre Enquiry Line are generally closed on weekends too.
Offices and phone lines will reopen on April 23.
You can find your nearest Jobcentre Plus centre by visiting find-your-nearest-jobcentre.dwp.gov.uk/search.php.
It’s worth bearing in mind your nearest branch might be open on a Saturday so check ahead.
Jobcentre Plus branches provide a range of services helping jobseekers, long-term sick or disabled people find employment or claim benefits.
The government-funded employment agency and social security office, found in most cities and towns, was formed when the Employment Service merged with the Benefits Agency.
It was renamed Jobcentre Plus in 2002 and is part of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The upcoming bank holiday will also see benefit payment dates change.
The vast majority of those who usually receive their benefits on the 19th, 20th, 21st or 22nd of each month will be paid this Thursday.
This is because payments are made the first working day before a bank holiday.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”How does work affect Universal Credit?” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6352829699112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Remember, if you are paid your benefits early, you’ll need to make the money last longer as you will have to wait extra days until your next payment date.
If you are expecting an early payment and don’t get it, double-check the date you are usually paid and contact your bank.
Should you need further help, you must contact the DWP.
You can also file a complaint with the DWP regarding any unpaid benefits.
You can go to www.gov.uk/how-to-have-your-benefits-paid for more information.
OTHER BENEFIT CHANGES
Benefit payments have risen for millions this month, including for those on Universal Credit and Carer’s Allowance.
The Government hikes benefit payments every year to keep up with the cost of food and other essentials.
Most rose by 1.7% on April 7, the first Monday of the new financial year, while state pension increased by 4.1%.
Of course, how much yours will rise by depends on your personal circumstances.
We’ve got a full breakdown here.
You can also see the new rates for the 2025/26 year via Gov.uk.