A number of changes to benefit payments over the Christmas period have been announced. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a number of changes to payment dates for some of its payments over the festive period.
Benefits such as universal credit are generally made on the same day every month, but these are often changed around bank holidays. This year Christmas Day falls on a Sunday with Boxing Day landing on a Monday, meaning the Christmas Day bank holiday has been changed to Tuesday, December 27.
It means any payments from both the DWP and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) due to be paid between December 25 and December 27 will be paid earlier this month. Here are all the changes to benefits, payments and pensions this week. You can get more cost-of-living news and money stories straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
Read more: All the money being paid over Christmas to help with food and bills
Which benefits are affected over Christmas?
The DWP benefits payments which will be affected by the festive bank holiday changes are:
- 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
- Universal credit
- Tax credits (such as working tax credit)
When will I get my money?
If you're receiving any of the above payments and your money is due on December 25, 26 or 27 you will get your money on Friday December 23. If you are due universal credit on Wednesday December 28, you will also get it early on December 23. However, other benefits which are due on December 28 will be paid on that date as normal.
HMRC has also confirmed those expecting tax credits on these dates will also have it paid on Friday December 23 before Christmas and includes those expecting their payment on Wednesday December 28.
Guy Opperman, minister for employment said: “Our benefits system offers a vital safety net to millions of people and will continue to provide essential support over the festive period. We are bringing forward payment dates to ensure customers have their benefits in advance, taking account of the upcoming bank holidays.”
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