Exact dates for DWP to pay Universal Credit claimants ahead of Christmas

Universal Credit claimants could expect their money a little earlier this year.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) revealed the change is expected around the Christmas season. It's only temporary as it's due to the bank holidays.

This year, Christmas Day (December 25) falls on a Monday, while Boxing Day (December 26) is on Tuesday. These days aren't classed as working days.

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And the DWP doesn't usually make benefit payments on bank holidays. So if you're due cash on these days, you'll likely be paid earlier this month.

For Universal Credit claimants, the DWP could pay you on the final working day before Christmas, so in this case Friday, December 22.

It means claimants receiving their December Universal Credit payment could get it four days earlier than expected. And this isn't the only change.

New Year's Day (January 1) also falls on a Monday and it's classed as a bank holiday. If you live in Scotland, there is an additional bank holiday on the Tuesday (January 2).

Again this means you'd receive your payments earlier this month. Those due payments on January 1 will get them on Friday, December 29.

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If you're due to be paid on a different day, there's nothing you need to do. The money will be paid into your account as normal.

The amount you get will remain the same and it'll be the your usual account. It's important to note that receiving your money earlier could require more budgeting.

That's because the following month it'll go back to normal. If your payment doesn't arrive, it's worth contacting the Universal Credit helpline or your local Jobcentre.

You do have to remember that these areas of support are closed on bank holidays. You can contact the Universal Credit helpline for free on 0800 328 9344.

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