Big change to services for Universal Credit households this weekend – check how you're affected
The public has been encouraged to check their local Job Centre's opening times
PLEASE HOLD Big change to services for Universal Credit households this weekend – check how you're affected
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
HOUSEHOLDS on Universal Credit and other benefits are being warned of a big change coming on Monday.
Jobcentre Plus offices and phone lines are closed on bank holidays so will be shut on Monday May 25.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
1
Offices and phone lines will be closed on Monday
Credit: Alamy
Jobcentre Plus offices and the National Jobcentre Enquiry Line are usually closed on weekends too.
Phone lines and offices are expected to reopen on Tuesday, May 26.
Some branches may be open on Saturdays so it's worth checking your nearest branches opening hours.
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, is found in most cities and towns.
It was was formed when the Employment Service merged with the Benefits Agency.
It was renamed to Jobcentre Plus in 2002 and is part of the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions).
The bank holiday on Monday will also see benefit payment dates altered.
This is because payments are usually made the first working day before a bank holiday.
Remember, if you are paid early you'll need to make the money last longer as you'll have to wait extra days until your next payment.
If you are expecting an early payment and don't get it double check the dates you are usually paid and contact your bank.
If you need further help or assistance you must contact the DWP.
How does work affect Universal Credit?
Complaints about unpaid benefits can be filed with the DWP.
You can go to www.gov.uk/how-to-have-your-benefits-paid for more information.
OTHER BENEFIT CHANGES
The Government hikes benefit payments every year to keep up with the cost of food and other essentials.
Benefit payments have recently risen for millions, including for those on Universal Credit and Carer's Allowance.
How much yours could rise by depends on your personal circumstances.
We've got a full breakdown of benefit increases here.
You can also see the new rates for the 2025/26 year via Gov.uk.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Major café chain with 473 locations in UK to shut busy branch just 3 years after it reopened with staff ‘left in tears'
Shoppers have been left stunned as the chain announced the shock closure HAS BEAN Major café chain with 473 locations in UK to shut busy branch just 3 years after it reopened with staff 'left in tears' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR café chain with 473 locations in the UK is due to shut a popular branch with staff 'left in tears'. Pret A Manger has announced its closing the store, just three years after it re-opened. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The closure of the branch has seen staff 'left in tears' Credit: Getty - Contributor The Gallowtree Gate branch in Leicester City Centre, initially closed in 2020 due to "the effects of the pandemic". However, it made a shock return following an announcement two years later. It re-opened on July 25, 2022 at the same location. But rumours started swirling earlier this week that the popular chain was to shut for good once again. A source told Leicestershire Live that staff were told on Thursday and that there were "lots of tears". A spokesperson for Pret A Manger confirmed that they will be leaving Leister for a second time. They did not give a specific date for the closure but it is expected to be some time in July. They said: "It has been a pleasure serving our customers at Pret's Gallowtree Gate shop in Leicester. "Closing a shop is never a decision we take lightly, and our priority now is supporting our team members." Shoppers were recently stunned when another Pret A Manager branch suddenly closed with no warning in April. The store in Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, caught loyal customers by surprise and had been a well-loved part of the outlet centre for years. Another chain, Starbucks, which has over 1,000 UK venues also abruptly pulled the plug on one of its stores in Oxford last month. Pret opened its first shop in London in 1986 and the chain employs 12,500 staff in more than 700 locations across 21 countries. The Sun reported previously reported that Pret's owner, Luxembourg-based Jab Holding, was planning a stock market flotation and could consider selling a stake in the business first. JAB, which also owns Krispy Kreme doughnuts and Keurig Dr Pepper, has ambitions in the insurance and asset management industry and wants to reduce its reliance on the consumer sector. The chain came under fire from customers in April following sweeping changes to its Club Pret subscription. Once offering five free barista-made drinks a day for £30 a month, members now only receive 50 per cent off five drinks a day instead.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Shoppers rush to nab outdoor pool for just £45 in Lidl – it's big enough for the whole family but you need to be quick
The bargain won't be around forever so act fast DIVE IN Shoppers rush to nab outdoor pool for just £45 in Lidl – it's big enough for the whole family but you need to be quick Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT'S weekends like this that many of us would kill for our own swimming pool. And this weekend you could be in luck as shoppers are nabbing exactly that for under £50 at Lidl. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A mum has revealed how she picked up a pool for less than £50 Credit: Facebook 2 She shared a snap of her receipt revealing how she got the discount Credit: Facebook Taking to the Facebook group Extreme Couponing & Bargains UK, one mum shared her hot weather find. She revealed that she had picked up the Crivit Frame Pool from the German supermarket on special offer down from £69.99. Explaining how she got more money off, she wrote: 'Absolute bargain considering the best way 10ft pool is currently on offer for £100 online 'Was uploaded yesterday save £15 on the 10ft frame pool using the Lidl plus app, I managed to get an extra £5 off today so got it for £45, comes with a pump absolute bargain!' Fellow bargain-hunters were quick to gush over her find, with many agreeing it was an excellent find. Commenting on the post, one wrote: 'I've had one for last few summers and one of the best items I've ever bought for my kids.' 'I've had that pool it's ace,' added another, while a third wrote, 'It's such a bargain. I managed to get one today.' However, it seems that not everyone was full of praise with some group members describing the 10ft pool as 'small.' But the mum was quick to clap-back at her haters. She wrote: 'It's a 10ft pool for all those saying it's small 😅 it took around 3hrs just under to fill up (depends on your hose pressure I guess) I bought a cover on Amazon for a 10ft pool and fits perfectly, you can also check stock in shops on the Lidl website.' Five Lidl rosés you need this summer, according to a wine expert - a £6.99 buy is as light & crispy as £22 Whispering Angel It is important to remember to always shop around when buying something like this as you might find a cheaper alternative. Websites like Trolley and Price Spy let you compare thousands of products across different retailers to find the best price. Price Spy even lets you see how much an item has cost over time, so you can see if the current price is a good deal. A quick scan on the Google Shopping/Product tab will also bring up how much retailers are selling a certain item for.
Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
Full list of DWP PIP and Universal Credit payment changes on the way next year
New rules have been proposed to reform the way PIP and Universal Credit is handed out. In a bill published on Wednesday, the government said they will be giving additional protection to the most vulnerable, as well as enough time for people to plan for the future. Labour said they wanted to fix the 'broken social security system', with millions not working. Ending reassessments for those classed as having a severe condition who will never be able to work. They will also be paid the higher rate of Universal Credit health top up of £97 per week. The DWP said they are also bringing in the Right to Try Guarantee which will mean trying to work will not lead to reassessment. Universal Credit rates are also set to be rebalanced by reducing health element for new claims to £50 from April. All of those affected by the reforms will be offered support from a dedicated Pathways to Work adviser. The DWP said: 'All of those affected by reforms will be actively contacted and given the offer of a conversation about their support needs, goals and aspirations; offered one-to-one follow-on support, and given help to access additional work, health and skills support that can meet their needs.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The proposed package to PIP includes: Reintroducing reassessments for people on incapacity benefits who have the capability to work so they are not written off. Changing the eligibility requirement to a minimum score of four on at least one of the daily living activities to receive the daily living element of the benefit. Potentially delaying access to the health element of Universal Credit until someone is aged 22. Reinvesting savings from this into work support and training opportunities through the Youth Guarantee. The DWP said since the pandemic the number of PIP awards has more than doubled to 34,000 a month, with around 1,000 people signing on to it everyday. There has been a surge in anxiety and depression being reported as the main condition. More Trending The government is also aiming to get one million young people in work, education or training. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: 'Our social security system is at a crossroads. Unless we reform it, more people will be denied opportunities, and it may not be there for those who need it. 'This legislation represents a new social contract and marks the moment we take the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity. View More » 'This will give people peace of mind, while also fixing our broken social security system so it supports those who can work to do so while protecting those who cannot – putting welfare spending on a more sustainable path to unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Sextortion scam warning to students after rise in number of younger victims MORE: 'I have Down's Syndrome and struggle to find work – this London hotel changed that' MORE: 'I'm one of the 100,000 people against the disability cuts and I can't remember a time it was this bad' Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
