There’s an extra day this month – February 29 – because 2024 is a leap year.

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Many will already be used to their payment dates changing because of bank holidays, but the change doesn’t come around very often.

With this in mind, you might be wondering how this will affect benefit payments.

If your benefits are normally paid into your bank account on the 30th or 31st of the month then you’ll get it earlier than usual this February.

You’ll be paid on the last working day of the month, which is Thursday, February 29, instead.

And as usual, if your payment date falls on a weekend, it will be sent to your account on the working day before.

If you get any of the following benefits, then you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared:

• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Pension Credit
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• State pension
• Universal Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Child Benefit
• Guardian’s Allowance
• Universal Credit

If you receive a State Pension, you shouldn’t notice any change to your payments.

This is because your National Insurance number dictates what day you receive your pension money.

State pension is paid every four weeks and the day you’re paid usually depends on the last two digits of this identification number.

Universal Credit

Here’s everything to know about Universal Credit:

Will my benefit payment amount change?

The amount you get paid shouldn’t change.

It will be the same as previous months, unless you’ve had a change of circumstances that affects how much you get at the same time.

You don’t need to do anything if your usual date for getting your benefits is affected by the leap year.

Don’t forget that if you get paid early then you’ll have to make the money you get go further, as you’ll have an extra day to wait until your next payment date.

Make sure you factor this into your budget.

February is always a shorter month than most, typically with 28 days, meaning that you won’t have to make your payments last so long.

If your money is not paid on time, make sure to double check the date you get paid normally and contact your bank.

Failing that, you should contact the DWP.

You can also submit a complaint to the DWP over any unpaid benefits.

Millions of households nationwide can claim several cold weather payments to help with heating costs this winter.

Plus, thousands of people on Universal Credit could be missing out on an extra £5,483 a year.

We share an easy move to help you get what you’re owed.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money@the-sun.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories.