Benefit recipients who are due to receive their payments around the July 4 election date are expressing concerns about how a potential shift in power could affect their payments next month.
As the UK’s General Election is just around the corner, and with the major parties proposing different plans for the future of the nation’s benefits systems, recipients may need to brace themselves for possible changes in their payments.
However, Britons can breathe a sigh of relief as most of the significant changes proposed by any of the parties, if they win the election, will not impact them as early as next month.
This is because most proposed changes require a consultation period which could span months or even years.
Despite the election day falling on July 4, there are no anticipated changes in payment dates for benefits and state pension in July due to the absence of bank holidays.
Those receiving the following benefits can expect their payment dates to remain unchanged:
- Universal Credit
- State pension
- Pension credit
- Child benefit
- Disability living allowance
- Personal independence payment
- Attendance allowance
- Carer’s allowance
- Employment support allowance
- Income support
- Jobseeker’s allowance
Looking ahead, all benefit recipients should anticipate some changes as the winning party begins to implement the changes outlined in their manifestos.
Labour, for instance, has announced plans to review Universal Credit, reform work capability assessments and introduce proposed changes aimed at assisting disabled individuals back into the workforce.
The Tories, meanwhile, are focusing on revamping capability assessments for disability benefits and rolling out a new service to validate sick notes.
They also propose to consider withdrawing benefits from individuals who reject “suitable jobs” after being on benefits for 12 months and aim to hasten the implementation of Universal Credit.
Since its introduction in 2013, recipients of legacy benefits have been gradually transitioning to the Universal Credit scheme.
