Dwp universal credit claimants issued 'being left skint' warning this week

Brits on benefits such as Universal Credit and PIP are set to receive payments three days early this month due to the upcoming bank holiday, but experts, including Fiona Peake at Ocean

Finance, warn of potential budgeting challenges. The second May bank holiday on Monday, May 26, means early payment for an array of benefits on Friday, May 23, covering:. * Universal Credit.

* State Pension. * Personal Independence Payment (PIP). * Carer's Allowance. * Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA). * Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). * Income Support. *

Attendance Allowance. * Pension Credit. Personal Finance Expert Fiona said: "Getting your money on Friday instead of the Monday might feel like a win going into the long weekend, but it

means you'll have three extra days to stretch it. That can throw your budget out, especially if you're living week to week. It's not always easy to hold back spending when

your account's just been topped up but blowing through your benefit early could leave you short when it really matters. "Most benefits hit accounts in the early hours, but if yours

hasn't arrived by midday Friday, check your bank again before panicking. If nothing shows up, get on the phone. Don't wait until after the bank holiday when lines will be jammed.

Contact Universal Credit, PIP or your relevant benefits line before 5pm Friday so there's still time to get help. "Some people get caught out by thinking they'll always get

their benefits early around a bank holiday. That's not the case. If your next due date falls on a normal working day, your payment will be back to its usual timing and if you've

spent early, you might already be playing catch-up." 5 EASY WAYS TO MAKE YOUR MONEY LAST: FREEZE YOUR CARD ON PAYDAY: “Sounds extreme, but if you’ve got a habit of splurging as soon as

money lands, hit pause. Most banking apps let you freeze your debit card instantly. It gives you a cooling-off period before impulse buys.” TREAT FRIDAY LIKE MONDAY: “Don’t think of the

early payment as a bonus. It’s not. Treat Friday 23 May like it’s your usual payday and plan your week as normal.” CHECK YOUR DIRECT DEBITS: “The early payment might not line up with when

your bills go out, and that can leave you short just as rent or utilities come calling. Log into your bank now and check your direct debit dates. Shifting them by a few days can help you

avoid missed payments and overdraft charges.” STOCK UP ON CUPBOARD STAPLES: “If you’ve got a bit of wiggle room, grab extra essentials like pasta, rice, and tinned goods. That way, if

money’s tight in the last few days before your next payment, you’ve got back-up.” USE THE ‘SPARE CHANGE’ TRICK: “Round up every spend to the nearest pound and stash the difference using an

app or savings pot. It might only be a few quid, but it adds up fast and it’s perfect for emergencies.”