Full list of DWP and HMRC benefits being paid early today – including Universal Credit

2 days ago admin

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is paying a whole raft of benefits earlier than normal today.

Over the festive season, the DWP and HMRC shuffle payments around because of the Christmas bank holidays. The benefits department does not make payments on bank holidays, so if you are due one, then you will get it earlier than expected. New Year's Day is a bank holiday, so if you are due a payment on the first of the month, you will get it today instead.

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. Those living in Scotland who are due payments for all legacy benefits on January 2 will also be paid today. The following list of benefits will be affected by the New Year bank holiday:

Attendance allowance
Carer's allowance
Disability living allowance
Income support
Jobseekers allowance
Pension credit
Personal independence payments (PIP)
State pension
Universal Credit
Tax credits (paid by HMRC)

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If you're due to be paid on a different day, you won't need to do anything – the money will be paid into your account as normal. The amount you get will also remain the same, and it will also be paid into the same account in which you normally receive your benefit payment.

It's also very important to note that although receiving your benefits earlier may sound like a good thing, it does mean that you need to make your money last longer, even if it is just by one day.

If your money does not arrive in your account on the new payment date, you will need to contact the department that pays your benefit as soon as possible. This is because the DWP/HMRC support offices are closed over bank holidays. You can find the relevant support numbers on the government's official website. You can reach its Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.

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