In a warning posted on X, previously known as Twitter, the DWP urged millions of people claiming benefits or the state pension to be aware of scammers trying to contact you
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning over scam messages that could drain your bank account.
In a warning posted on X, previously known as Twitter, the DWP urged millions of people claiming benefits or the state pension to be aware of scammers trying to contact you.
The DWP wrote: “Be aware of scam text messages claiming to be from @dwpgovuk. Always be careful about links and never share personal or financial details.
“Only engage with trusted official sources. You can report suspicious messages to @actionfrauduk or search https://gov.uk.”
It comes after the DWP confirmed millions of people will receive their benefits or state pension early this weekend due to the August bank holiday, which falls this Monday, August 25.
If you are due a payment on this date, then you should receive the money into your bank account on Friday, August 22 instead. This does mean you’ll need to make the cash last a bit longer as there will be a slightly bigger gap until your next benefit payment.
This applies to all the main benefits including Universal Credit, Child Benefit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance.
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: “We know how much families rely on these payments, and by bringing them forward ahead of the bank holiday we’re ensuring no one has to worry about whether their support will be there when they need it most.
“This is especially important ahead of the new school year – no family should have to choose between buying school supplies and putting food on the table.
“This is what our Plan for Change is all about – putting working families and the most vulnerable first and ensuring every family has the security they need to plan for the future.”
When are DWP and HMRC benefits normally paid?
How often you get paid depends on what type of benefit you claim. For example, you’ll get paid Universal Credit on the same day each month, while Tax Credits are typically paid by HMRC every four weeks or weekly.
Child Benefit is usually every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. See the full list of how often certain benefits are paid below:
- Attendance Allowance – Usually every four weeks
- Carer’s Allowance – Weekly in advance or every four weeks
- Child Benefit – Usually every four weeks, or weekly if you’re a single parent or you or your partner get certain benefits
- Disability Living Allowance – Usually every four weeks
- Employment and Support Allowance – Usually every two weeks
- Income Support – Usually every two weeks
- Jobseeker’s Allowance – Usually every two weeks
- Pension Credit – Usually every four weeks
- Personal Independence Payment – Usually every four weeks
- State Pension – Usually every four weeks
- Tax credits – Every four weeks or weekly
- Universal Credit – Every month
