The cost-of-living crisis in the UK continues to put immense pressure on low-income families, making it challenging for many to afford basic necessities like food, housing, and utility bills. Although inflation has eased from its peak of 11.1% in October 2022 to 2.2% in August 2023, this doesn’t mean that prices have returned to normal—only that they are rising more slowly. As a result, households, especially those relying on state benefits, are still facing tough financial times.
Let’s break down the current situation and the government’s efforts to address these pressing issues.
DWP Payment Dates, New Amount and Benefits for October 2024
New Labour Government’s Approach
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Leadership: Under Starmer’s guidance, the new Labour government has promised to tackle the cost-of-living crisis by addressing its underlying causes.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Upcoming Autumn Statement: On October 30, Chancellor Reeves will present the Autumn Statement, which is expected to introduce measures aimed at easing the financial burden on struggling families.
- Reeves has hinted that tough decisions will be made but reassures there will be no return to austerity.
Key Takeaways from the Labour Party Conference
- Fairer Welfare System: During the recent Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Chancellor Reeves emphasized her intention to create a fairer welfare system that supports people who are working.
- Potential Pension System Reforms: Changes to the pension system were mentioned, which could impact both current and future pensioners, though no immediate changes are planned for benefits or pensions in the upcoming month.
October 2024 Payments: What You Need to Know
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that all benefit and state pension payments will proceed as usual for October 2024. Recipients can expect their payments on time, with no delays or alterations. However, staying updated on potential changes is essential as the government may introduce policy updates in the coming months.
Universal Credit and PIP Benefits Payment Schedule for October 2024
All benefit payments will be deposited directly into recipients’ bank, building society, or credit union accounts. Here’s what you need to know about the payment schedule:
- Weekend or Bank Holiday Payments: If your payment date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, you’ll typically receive the funds on the last working day before that date. Fortunately, there are no bank holidays in October 2024 across England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, so your payments will be unaffected this month.
Payment Schedule Overview
Benefit |
Payment Frequency |
|---|---|
Attendance Allowance |
Every four weeks |
Carer’s Allowance |
Weekly in advance or every 4 weeks |
Child Benefit |
Every 4 weeks or weekly for single parents |
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) |
Every 4 weeks |
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) |
Every two weeks |
Income Support |
Every two weeks |
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) |
Every two weeks |
Maternity Allowance |
Every two or four weeks |
Pension Credit |
Every 4 weeks |
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) |
Every 4 weeks |
Tax Credits |
Every 4 weeks or weekly |
Universal Credit |
Monthly |
State Pension Payment Dates for October 2024
State pension payments are issued every four weeks, directly to your bank, building society, or credit union account. The exact day depends on the last two digits of your National Insurance (NI) number:
NI Number Ending in |
Payment Day |
|---|---|
00 to 19 |
Monday |
20 to 39 |
Tuesday |
40 to 59 |
Wednesday |
60 to 79 |
Thursday |
80 to 99 |
Friday |
Note: Make sure to check the last two digits of your NI number to know your specific payment day.
What If Your Payment Is Missing?
If you don’t receive your benefit payment as expected, here’s what you should do:
- Check your award notice and your bank or building society account.
- If your payment date is correct but the money hasn’t arrived, contact the DWP helpline for assistance. Their contact details are available on the official government website.
Updates on the State Pension: What You Should Know
The New Pension Amount
The current full basic state pension is £169.50 per week. This rate applies to:
- Men born on or after April 6, 1951.
- Women born on or after April 6, 1953.
Qualifying for the Full Basic State Pension
To receive the full pension, you need a specific number of National Insurance (NI) qualifying years:
Birth Date Range |
Qualifying Years Needed |
|---|---|
Men born between 1945 and 1951 |
30 years |
Men born before 1945 |
44 years |
Women born between 1950 and 1953 |
30 years |
Women born before 1950 |
39 years |
Quick Tip: Make sure to check your National Insurance record to confirm your qualifying years. This will help you determine if you’re on track to receive the full state pension.
Stay Informed: Changes and Updates Are on the Horizon
With the cost-of-living crisis still impacting many households, it’s more important than ever to stay updated on government policy changes. Keep an eye on announcements from the Chancellor and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ensure you’re aware of any adjustments to benefits or pension payments.
Remember: Knowledge is power, and staying informed will help you navigate these challenging economic times.
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