Thousands of individuals expecting benefits such as Universal Credit will experience changes in their payment schedules next month due to the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.
With Christmas Day falling on a Thursday and Boxing Day on a Friday this year, benefit payments slated for those days are likely to be processed on Wednesday, December 24 instead. Similarly, New Year’s Day, a Thursday, will prompt payments to be made on Wednesday, December 31, as benefits are not issued on bank holidays.
Although the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has not officially confirmed the specific timetable for Christmas and New Year benefit payments, this adjusted payment schedule aligns with past years’ practices.
It’s essential for recipients to plan their finances accordingly if they receive payments earlier than expected, as there will be a longer gap until the subsequent payment.
Benefit payment frequencies vary based on the type of benefit received. For instance, Universal Credit is disbursed on a fixed monthly date, while Tax Credits are typically issued every four weeks or weekly. Child Benefit payments are usually scheduled every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday.
In case of any delays in receiving benefit payments, individuals should verify the payment date on their award notice and bank account. If the payment remains missing, contacting the relevant helpline is advised, though note that these services may not be available on bank holidays.