THOUSANDS on benefits will see their payment dates change due to the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.
Those on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and more see the money land in their account earlier than usual.
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The Government does this to ensure no one is left waiting for payments over the bank holiday.
But it can leave you caught unaware if you don’t know about the rule. Here we explain what you need to know.
When will I get my payment?
The Government has confirmed that benefit payments due to land in accounts on Christmas Day or Boxing Day, will be made early instead.
Those due money on this date will be paid on Friday, December 22, instead, the last working day before the long weekend.
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For payments due to be made on the January first or second 2024, payments will be made before the New Year’s weekend on Friday, December 29.
If your usual benefit payment date falls outside of a bank holiday, nothing will change.
If you are expecting a payment one day before the bank holiday and don’t, you should contact the Department for Work and Pensions to chase it up.
Does this only affect those on Universal Credit?
The change impacts all individuals claiming any number of benefits, including Universal Credit.
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Those on the following benefits will see payments land earlier at the end of this month.
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment
- State Pension
- Universal Credit
- Child Benefit/Guardian’s Allowance
- Working Tax Credits
- Child Tax Credits
Will my payment amount change?
The only thing that changes is when you get paid.
Of course, the amount you get depends on which benefits you are currently claiming.
If you think you’re eligible for benefits and missing out, then we’ve explained how to check which benefits you could claim.
How will it affect me?
Getting paid early will mean you need to plan out your month to make sure you don’t overspend.
Make sure to factor this into your budget for January.
