The ongoing cost-of-living crisis in the UK has severely affected low-income families, making it increasingly difficult to afford essentials such as food, housing, and utilities. Although inflation peaked at 11.1 per cent in October 2022, it has since decreased to 2.2 per cent as of August 2023. This only means that prices are rising more slowly, not that they have returned to previous levels. As a result, households, particularly those dependent on state benefits, continue to face substantial financial challenges.
Amidst this challenging economic backdrop, the new Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has vowed to tackle the cost-of-living crisis by addressing its root causes. In addition, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to present the Autumn Statement on October 30, and she has already hinted that the statement will include some challenging decisions to address the current economic climate. While the Chancellor has reassured the public that there will be no return to austerity.
At the recent Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Rachel Reeves highlighted her goal to make the welfare system fairer and more supportive of work. She also mentioned possible changes to the pension system, which could affect current and future pensioners. However, there are no plans to change benefits or pensions for the next month.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that all benefit and state pension payments will be made as usual in October 2024. Recipients can expect their payments on time without any changes. They must stay informed about their payment dates as the government considers future policy updates.
Universal Credit and PIP Benefits Payment Schedule in October 2024
Payments for various benefits will be made directly to claimants’ banks, building societies, or credit union accounts. If the scheduled payment date falls on a weekend or a bank holiday, the payment will typically be made on the preceding working day. However, it is essential to note that tax credits and child benefits may follow a different schedule.
Fortunately, there are no bank holidays in October for England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, so payment dates will remain unaffected. Here is the payment schedule for various benefits:
| Benefit | Payment Frequency |
|---|---|
| Attendance Allowance | Every four weeks |
| Carer’s Allowance | Weekly in advance or every four weeks |
| Child Benefit | Every four weeks or weekly for single parents |
| Disability Living Allowance | Every four weeks |
| Employment and Support Allowance | Every two weeks |
| Income Support | Every two weeks |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance | Every two weeks |
| Maternity Allowance | Every two or four weeks |
| Pension Credit | Every four weeks |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Every four weeks |
| Tax Credits | Every four weeks or weekly |
| Universal Credit | Monthly |
State Pension Payment Dates in October 2024
The state pension is paid directly to the claimant’s bank, building society, or credit union account every four weeks. The specific day of the week when the payment is made depends on the last two digits of the claimant’s National Insurance number:
- 00 to 19: Monday
- 20 to 39: Tuesday
- 40 to 59: Wednesday
- 60 to 79: Thursday
- 80 to 99: Friday
What should be done if the Payment is not received?
Claimants should check their award notice and bank account if a benefit payment is not received as expected. If the payment date is accurate but the funds have not arrived, the DWP helpline, available on the government website, should be contacted for assistance.
What is the New Pension Amount?
The new full basic state pension is currently £169.50 per week. For those born after specific dates (men born on or after April 6, 1951, and women born on or after April 6, 1953), the new state pension applies.
To receive the full basic state pension, a certain number of qualifying years of National Insurance contributions are required, which is as follows:
- Men born between 1945 and 1951 need 30 qualifying years.
- Men born before 1945 need 44 qualifying years.
- Women born between 1950 and 1953 need 30 qualifying years.
- Women born before 1950 need 39 qualifying years.
Mine was a week late for September 2024