Universal Credit Christmas payment dates 2023: will I get paid early because of the bank holiday?

THOUSANDS on Universal Credit will receive their payments earlier this month and they should be hitting accounts in days.

Those entitled to the benefit usually receive the first payment seven days after the end of the first assessment period, which begins after you first make a claim.

It is then usually paid on the same date each month.

But 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 23, 24, 25 and 26 this year your payment should arrive on December 22.

The New Year bank holiday will also affect payments.

If you are due to be paid on December 30, 31 or January 1, the cash will land in your account on December 29.

You don’t need to do anything if your usual date for getting Universal Credit falls on a Bank Holiday.

If your payment falls outside of the Christmas bank holiday dates, you shouldn’t expect any changes at all. 

What other benefit payment dates will change over the Christmas Bank Holiday?

The Department for Work and Pensions has shared the full list of benefits that will be paid earlier this month:

• Attendance allowance
• Carer’s allowance
• Child benefit
• Disability living allowance
• Employment and support allowance
• Income support
• Jobseeker’s allowance
• Pension credit
• Personal independence payment
• State pension
• Tax credits (such as Working Tax Credit)

The Government’s website says: “Benefits are usually paid straight into your bank, building society or credit union account.

“If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday you’ll usually be paid on the working day before.

“This may be different for tax credits and Child Benefit.”

For Bank Holidays in Scotland and Northern Ireland which are different, households there may be paid after their usual payment date.

Will the amount I receive change?

The amount you receive should stay the same unless your circumstances have changed which affects your entitlement.

If you are paid early, you will have to wait longer before receiving your next payment.

So bear that in mind when budgeting, especially as December can be such an expensive month.

Make sure you factor in deadlines for essentials such as rent and bills.

If you don’t receive your payment early, check the date you are usually paid and contact your bank.

If your bank doesn’t know anything about the payment, you should contact the DWP to see if it was made.

You can also over any unpaid benefits.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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