THOUSANDS of Brits on Universal Credit can expect early payments this week because of Christmas and New Year’s.
The bank holidays over the festive season can change the dates the money hits bank accounts.
GettyUniversal Credit payments will be made early to some households this Christmas[/caption]
If you usually get paid on the 26th or 27th of each month you should be paid on December 23 this year.
That’s because Boxing Day counts as a bank holiday, and the 27th is a “substituted” bank holiday day for Christmas Day and payments aren’t made on these days.
The same goes for if you usually receive your Universal Credit payment on the 2nd of each month as January 2, 2023 is a bank holiday.
If you usually get paid Universal Credit on this day, you’ll get it on December 30, 2022.
Plus, if you usually get paid on the 24th or 25th of each month you should receive your payment on December 23 as these dates fall on a weekend this year.
If a payment date lands on the weekend it’s usually made the first working day before then.
You don’t need to do anything if your usual date for getting Universal Credit falls on a bank holiday.
But you should factor any early payments into your budget and make sure it lasts you long enough to take you through to the next month.
If your payment date falls on a normal date you’ll get your money as usual.
What other benefit payment dates will change over Christmas?
The DWP has shared the full list of benefits that will be paid early because of Christmas.
Attendance AllowanceCarer’s AllowanceChild BenefitDisability Living AllowanceEmployment and Support AllowanceIncome SupportJobseeker’s AllowancePension CreditPersonal Independence PaymentState PensionTax Credits (such as Working Tax Credit)
The same rules apply. If you’re due a payment on December 26 or 27, you should get the payment on December 23.
If you normally get paid on the 24th or 25th of each month, you should receive your payment on December 23.
If you usually get paid these benefits on the 2nd of each month, you’ll get it on December 30, 2022.
This applies to those on Tax Credits as well.
Those on Child Benefits who usually get paid on the 26th or 27th of the month will be paid on December 23.
For bank holidays in Scotland and Northern Ireland which are different, households there may be paid after their usual payment date.
For the full list of benefits that will be paid early this year and more information on dates see our article.
If you don’t receive your benefit payment on time, it’s worth checking with your bank first before contacting the DWP.
If something’s not right, you can also submit a complaint to the DWP.
Millions on benefits have received a £10 tax-free Christmas bonus at the beginning of the month.
For the full list of benefits who get the payment, you can read our guide here.
Plus, we round up the free cash you can get on Universal Credit this Christmas that you don’t have to pay back.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]