The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has unveiled changes to the payment dates of benefits such as Universal Credit and PIP for thousands of people later this month. If you’re anticipating a benefit payment on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day, you’ll receive it slightly earlier than usual due to these days being bank holidays.
However, this implies that you’ll need to budget carefully as there will be a longer wait until your next payment. For those due a benefit payment on Wednesday, December 25, or Thursday, December 26, you can expect to receive your money on the previous working day, Tuesday, December 24.
If your benefit payment is due on Wednesday, January 1, you should receive it on Tuesday, December 31. Payments due on other days will be paid into your account as usual and you won’t need to take any additional steps to receive your benefit payment.
The amount you’re due to be paid will remain the same unless there have been changes to your personal circumstances, reports the Mirror.
The frequency of your benefit payments depends on the type of benefit you’re claiming. For instance, Universal Credit is paid monthly on the same date, while Tax Credits are typically disbursed by HMRC every four weeks or weekly.
Child Benefit is usually paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday, meaning only one of the bank holiday days over Easter would affect you. Here’s a comprehensive list of how often certain benefits are paid:
- Attendance Allowance – Usually every four weeks.
- Carer’s Allowance – Weekly in advance or every four weeks.
- Child Benefit – Usually every four weeks, or weekly if you’re a single parent or you or your partner get certain benefits.
- Disability Living Allowance – Usually every four weeks.
- Employment and Support Allowance – Usually every two weeks.
- Income Support – Usually every two weeks.
- Jobseeker’s Allowance – Usually every two weeks.
- Pension Credit – Usually every four weeks.
- Personal Independence Payment – Usually every four weeks.
- State Pension – Usually every four weeks.
- Tax credits – Every four weeks or weekly.
- Universal Credit – Every month.
What if you don’t receive your payment
If you don’t receive your benefit payment when expected, first double-check the date on your award notice and your bank account. If the date is correct and the money hasn’t arrived, you should contact the relevant helpline.
Remember, these are unlikely to be open on bank holidays.
Universal Credit
- Call for free: 0800 328 9344.
- Welsh speaking: 0800 012 1888.
- Textphone: 0800 328 1344.
Child benefit
For free calls within the UK, dial 0300 200 3100. If you’re outside the UK, call +44 161 210 3086.
Tax credits
For tax credits, contact HMRC for free at 0345 300 3900 or from outside the UK at +44 2890 538 192.
Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit and Employment and Support Allowance
For Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit and Employment and Support Allowance, call for free at 0800 169 0310.
Textphone users can reach them at 0800 169 0314. If you cannot hear or speak on the phone, use Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 169 0310.
