Can Benefits Be Paid Weekly?

Once benefits claims are authorised, claimants are informed of the schedule and mode of their payments by the Department for Work and Pension. Through this article, we aim to learn whether benefits can be paid weekly and under what circumstances can such payments be requested. We will also explore the frequency of payments of different state benefits as well as discuss the eligibility criteria for receiving weekly benefits payments; where applicable.

Can Benefits Be Paid Weekly?

Yes, certain benefits can be paid weekly; some may require specific eligibility criteria however, claimants may not be able to get benefits on a weekly basis for many of them.

For instance, Carer’s Allowance is paid weekly to claimants as an advance payment and does not need to be requested as a weekly payment applying to specific circumstances. This is a social welfare payment made to those individuals who are taking care of someone with ill health or a disability. One may be able to receive £69.70 per week if they care for someone at least 35 hours a week and the person being taken care of is claiming any of the following benefits:

• Adult Disability Payment
• Attendance Allowance
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Child Disability Payment
• Disability Living Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment

Similarly, if you or your partner claim certain benefits such as Income Support or you are a single parent claiming Child Benefit, you can request weekly payments. Under normal circumstances, Child Benefit is paid on a monthly basis to couples living together.

If you are someone who claims Universal Credit and finds it difficult to pay their rent, you can claim Alternative Payment Arrangements. If your claim is approved, your Universal Credit payment which is usually paid monthly, can be divided into weekly (or fortnightly) payments and be paid directly to your landlord. You can request an advance payment by logging in to your Universal Credit account.

In addition to this, Personal Independence Payments can be claimed on weekly basis by individuals faced with a terminal illness. PIP can be claimed by someone who has a disability, a long-term illness (this can be physical or mental) and they have difficulty in moving around or performing everyday tasks due to their condition. PIP payments can range between £61.85 and £92.40 if someone is claiming the Daily Living Part and between £24.45 to £64.50 if they are claiming the Mobility Part.

While the DWP maintains that benefits claims especially in the case of Universal Credit are mostly paid on a monthly basis so as to match the frequency of one’s wages and to make budgeting easier for recipients, a study conducted by the Llyods Banking Group in the UK claims that more than half of its account holders recieve their incomes either on a weekly or fortnightly basis. 

How Often Are Benefits Payments Made?

Benefits are paid on the basis of a uniform schedule with some of them being paid on a weekly basis, while others are paid as a fortnightly payment and most of them are paid every month. There is little room for flexibility of payments and that too in the case of specific circumstances.  Below are details of the frequency of payments of various state benefits in the UK:

• Benefits paid every week include Carer’s Allowance and Child Benefit if you are a single parent.
• Benefits paid every 2 weeks include Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance.
• Benefits paid every 4 weeks include Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment, State Pension, and Tax credits, such as Working Tax Credit and Universal Credit.

How Are Benefits Paid To Claimants?

Benefits payments are made into banks, building societies or credit union accounts. Claimants are asked to share relevant details of these accounts (whichever apply) when they apply for a benefit claim. If a claimant cannot manage any of these accounts or does not have access to one, they can ask the DWP for support and guidance. However, it must be noted that benefits payments through the post office are now ending.

In exceptional circumstances, benefits claimants can apply for a Payment Exception Service through which benefits payments can be claimed by using a payment card issued by the DWP which can be used at a PayPoint outlet or the Postoffice.

Can PIP Be Paid Weekly?

Yes, PIP can be paid weekly only if the claimant is faced with a terminal illness. Personal Independence Payment; commonly referred to as PIP  is a benefit intended for people aged 16 years and above. It takes care of the additional daily costs of living with a long-term disability or illness; be it a physical or mental health condition. It is gradually replacing DLA (Disability Living Allowance) by providing recipients with the following: 

• extra money in addition to their prevailing benefits 
• a reduction in their Council Tax or Road Tax bills 
• discounts on travel

Can Carer’s Allowance Be Paid Weekly?

Yes, Carer’s Allowance is a weekly paid state benefit for individuals who spend 35  hours or more taking care of someone with a disability, mental or physical illness that prevents them from managing everyday tasks independently.

During 2021-2022, the weekly amount for the carer’s allowance is £67.60. You may be able to claim this amount if you are able to fulfil the below conditions:

• spend a minimum of 35 hours per week caring for someone
• above 16 years of age 
• not in full-time education 
• earn less than or equal to £128 per week (after tax, national insurance and expenses)

Conclusion:

The discussion in the blog post makes it clear that while certain benefits such as Carer’s Allowance and Child Benefit for single parents can be claimed as a weekly payment; individuals on Universal Credit or claiming Personal Independence Payment will have to meet specific eligibility criteria to claim these benefits as a weekly payment rather than the usual monthly claim.

FAQs: Can Benefits Be Paid Weekly?

How often do people on benefits get paid?

Depending on the type of benefit claimed and one’s individual circumstances, most benefits are paid monthly with some of them being paid on a fortnightly basis. However, CFarer’s Allowance, Child Benefit for single parents and PIP for terminally ill claimants are paid weekly.

Can Universal Credit be paid weekly?

Yes, Universal Credit can be paid weekly but claimants need to provide substantial reasoning to claim a weekly payment from the DWP. One can ask their work coach for the eligibility criteria for weekly payments of Universal Credit.

How much are weekly benefits in the UK?

The weekly benefits cap in the UK is £384.62 per week whether you are a couple or a single parent and your children live with you. If you are a single adult, you can receive weekly benefits up to £257.69 per week.

How much do you get on a joint Universal Credit claim?

If you are living with a partner and both partners are below 25, both of you can make a joint claim of a standard amount of £403.93 a month for Universal Credit. If one or both partners are 25 or older, your joint claim can be £509.91 a month.

What else can you claim if you get PIP?

Recipients of PIP may additionally be eligible for additional money through Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance as well as Pension Credit.

References:

How and when your benefits are paid – GOV.UK

Universal Credit: Other financial support – GOV.UK

Universal credit: Should the benefit be paid weekly instead of monthly? – BBC News