DWP issues timetable that reveals changes to benefit payment dates including Universal Credit over Christmas

The GOVERNMENT has issued a reminder that to ensure no one is left short over Christmas and New Year will be made earlier.

Households on Universal Credit, child benefit and tax credits are among those affected.

Payments that would usually be due between December 25 and January 2 will be made earlier, the government has confirmed.

So, if your payment date lands on a bank holiday, you can expect to receive it earlier.

You should receive your money the first working day before the date you are supposed to be paid.

If you are due to be paid on December 25, 26 and 27, your payment will arrive on December 24 instead.

The New Year bank holiday will also affect payments.

If you are due to be paid on January 1, the cash will land in your account on December 31.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HMRC have confirmed the following benefits will be affected:

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

The amount you get paid will not change.

It will be the same as the previous month unless you have had a change of circumstances that has affected how much you are due.

You can find the full list of payment dates here.

Remember that if you get paid early, you must make that money last, as you will have to wait extra days until your next payment date.

If you expect a payment not paid on time, double-check the date you are usually paid and contact your bank.

Should you need further help, you must contact the DWP.

You can also file a complaint with the DWP regarding any unpaid benefits.

BENEFIT CHANGES

Thousands of households on old-style legacy benefits are being moved to Universal Credit via Managed Migration.

The government is transitioning two million people to Universal Credit or pension credit.

The vast majority will be moved by April 2025.

The process started being rolled out in May last year after a successful pilot in July 2019.

Households are being contacted via letters telling them how to move from their old benefit to Universal Credit.

Once you receive a letter, you have three months to move over, or you could lose your current benefits.

You can read more about the process and who is impacted here.