As the UK General Election on July 4 approaches, benefit recipients are expressing concerns about how a potential shift in power might affect their payments next month. With major parties proposing different plans for the future of the nation’s benefits system, recipients are wary of possible changes.
Despite these concerns, the most significant changes proposed by any winning party will not impact payments as early as next month. This is because most proposed changes require a consultation period that could span months or even years.
Recipients of the following benefits can expect their payment dates to remain unchanged in July due to the absence of bank holidays:
- 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, benefit recipients should anticipate some changes as the winning party begins to implement their manifesto promises.
Labour’s Plans:
- Review Universal Credit.
- Reform work capability assessments.
- Introduce measures to assist disabled individuals back into the workforce.
The Tories’ Plans:
- Revamp capability assessments for disability benefits.
- Roll out a new service to validate sick notes.
- Consider withdrawing benefits from individuals who reject “suitable jobs” after being on benefits for 12 months.
- Accelerate the implementation of Universal Credit.
Since its introduction in 2013, recipients of legacy benefits have been gradually transitioning to the Universal Credit scheme. As the winning party starts implementing their proposed changes, all benefit recipients should stay informed and prepared for adjustments in the benefits system.
