THOUSANDS on Universal Credit can expect to receive their payments land in their accounts a little early this month.
Those entitled to the benefit will usually receive the first payment seven days after the end of the first assessment period, which begins after you first make a claim.
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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.
That means if you are due to be paid on December 23, 24, 25 and 26 this year you will receive your payment on December 22 instead.
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Meanwhile, 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:
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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.
Remember that 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.
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 submit a complaint to the DWP over any unpaid benefits.
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