DWP confirms exact date Universal Credit and other benefits will be paid this month

4 days ago admin

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an updated list of when benefits including Universal Credit will be paid over Christmas.

If you’re due a benefit payment on a bank holiday, then you’ll likely be paid earlier than normal – so for Universal Credit payments due on Wednesday, December 25 or Thursday, December 26, these will be paid on Tuesday, December 24. Universal Credit payments due on Friday, December 27, Monday, December 30 and Tuesday, December 31 will be paid as normal – but if you’re due a payment on Wednesday, January 1, you’ll be paid a day earlier on December 31.

Other benefit payments that aren't Universal Credit, and are due on Friday, December 27, will be paid three days early, so on Tuesday, December 24. If you're due a benefit payment that isn't Universal Credit on Thursday, January 2, then you should be paid on Tuesday, December 31. Child Benefit payments are paid on Mondays and Tuesdays, but some payments will be made slightly later over Christmas. If you're due a payment on Monday, December 30, then you'll be paid on Tuesday, December 31.

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Benefits being paid on a different day will be sent to your usual bank account as normal. You won't need to do anything different to receive your benefit payment. The amount you're due to be paid will also remain the same unless your personal circumstances have changed.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, said: “While a time of joy for many, the Christmas period can be overshadowed by financial worry for others, particularly for families on the lowest incomes. Our Plan for Change will deliver the long-term economic stability and growth needed to improve every family’s financial security by putting more money in their pockets while we take immediate action to support them with the cost of living.”

What if I don't get paid?

If you think you haven't been paid, first make sure you double check your bank account. If you've got the right payment date, and the money isn't there, you should contact the relevant helpline. But keep in mind these are unlikely to be open on bank holidays.

Universal Credit: