DWP confirms new Universal Credit payment date | Personal Finance | Finance
In a move set to ease financial pressures during the festive season, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that some benefits, including Universal Credit, will be paid early due to the upcoming bank holiday. Claimants who would normally receive their Universal Credit payment on Wednesday, January 1, can expect to see the money in their accounts a day earlier on Tuesday, December 31, as benefits are not typically paid out on bank holidays.
Child Benefit recipients, who usually get their funds on Mondays and Tuesdays, will also experience a shift, with those expecting payments on Monday, December 30, now receiving them on Tuesday, December 31. Additionally, other benefits like Tax Credits that are due on January 1 or January 2 may be processed sooner, landing in accounts on December 31, the Mirror reports.
Payment amounts will stay the same barring any personal circumstance changes. Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, addressed the update, saying: “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.”
He emphasised the government’s dedication to supporting these households: “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.”
For those worried about not receiving their payments, the DWP has reassured that the funds will be deposited into the usual bank accounts where benefits are regularly paid. If you think you’ve not received your payment, it’s recommended to first check your bank account.
If the payment date is correct and the money hasn’t arrived, you should contact the relevant helpline. However, remember that these may not be operational on bank holidays. For Universal Credit, ring 0800 328 9344 for free, or 0800 012 1888 if you’re a Welsh speaker, or use the textphone at 0800 328 1344. For Child Benefit, call 0300 200 3100 for free, or +44 161 210 3086 if you’re outside the UK.
For Tax Credits, get in touch with HMRC for free at 0345 300 3900, or +44 2890 538 192 if you’re abroad. For Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit and Employment and Support Allowance, dial 0800 169 0310 for free, use the textphone at 0800 169 0314, or if you can’t hear or speak on the phone, use Relay UK at 18001 then 0800 169 0310.
