Below we’ve set out when you can expect to receive benefits, why some people are only just getting the increased rate, changes to Universal Credit that will mean more people will have to look for work, and where else they can get support in June 2024.
What date will my benefits be paid by the DWP in June 2024?
The date on which your benefit is paid depends on the benefit you receive and when you submitted the application.
Universal Credit is paid monthly by the DWP. Attendance allowance, disability living allowance, pension credit, personal independence allowance (PIP) and state pension are paid every four weeks.
Care allowance, tax credits (from HMRC) and child benefit are available weekly or every four weeks. And the maternity benefit is every two weeks or every four weeks.
Income support, employment and support allowance and jobseeker’s allowance are usually fortnightly.
Who will receive an increased benefit in June 2024?
For many claimants, benefits have increased by 6.7% as of April 8, 2024.
But for some universal credit claimants, the increased benefit rates will come into effect around June. This is because the new rate will only be paid in the first assessment period that starts on or after April 8.
Charity Turn2us gives an example. Your assessment period started on March 26. It runs for a full calendar month and therefore ended on April 25.
Payment takes place one week after the end of the first assessment period. So you will receive the payment on May 2. But because the assessment period started before April 8, the old rate did apply.
A new assessment period would start on April 26 and end on May 25. The new full rate would therefore be paid on June 1.
Anyone who had their last assessment period before April 8 will have to wait until June for the increased benefit.
What changes have been made to universal credit that will require more people to work?
Around 180,000 people will have to look for more work as the DWP changed the rules for universal credit in May.
People who worked less than 18 hours per week of the living wage will now have to find extra work, while previously they only had to work 15 hours.
From May 13, the administrative income threshold (AET) – the minimum amount that people on Universal Credit are expected to earn each month if they are fit to work – has increased.
It means individuals now have to earn £892 a month, which equates to 18 hours a week based on a living national wage. Couples must earn £1,437, which equates to 29 hours a week on the National Living Wage.
Read more here.
How do I know if I will be eligible for benefits in June 2024?
You may be entitled to benefits and tax credits if you are working or unemployed, sick or disabled, a parent, a young person, an elderly person or a veteran. You can use a benefit calculator to find out what you may be entitled to – including from Turn2Us, Policy in Practice and entitlement.
Citizen Advice provides information and services to help people and can advise you on what financial support is available from the government to help you. You can also find local counseling services here.
The government’s Help for Households website explains what other support you may be eligible for – and here you will find an overview of all the living costs available to households.
Are there any more cost of living payments planned for 2024?
There are no more cost of living payments planned by the DWP until 2024.
The latter should hit bank accounts by February 22, if you were eligible.
If you think you should have received a payment but you don’t see it in your bank account, you can report it via the government website.
Before reporting a missing payment, check your bank, mortgage, or credit union account or your payment exception receipt.
Read more about the cost of living here.
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Where else can I get help with living costs?
The benefits don’t extend far enough when it comes to the cost of living, but there are other options available for people who need them.
People who are struggling financially may be eligible for charitable grants. You can find out what grants may be available to you using Turn2Us’ grant search function on the charity’s website. There is a huge range of grants available for different people – including people who are bereaved, disabled, unemployed, redundant, ill, a carer, veteran, young person or old person. Subsidies are usually also available to people who cannot rely on public resources and cannot claim social benefits.
If you can’t pay your bills, your local council may have a scheme that can help you. Local councils may be able to give you advice about your debts, help you get furniture and support you in the fight against food and fuel poverty. Your municipality may also have a local assistance program, also known as crisis support. You can also find out what support your local authority offers through End Furniture Poverty’s local welfare help finder or by contacting your local authority directly.
You can find your local food bank via the Trussell Trust website or the IFAN membership card. You can also call the Trussell Trust’s free helplines and speak to a trained adviser. It’s 0808 208 2138 if you live in England or Wales, and 0800 915 4604 if you live in Northern Ireland. If you live in Scotland, you should contact your local council.
There are many more cost-of-living options available for people who need them – we’ll round it up here.
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