DWP confirms Universal Credit payment date changes over Christmas and New Year

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that some Universal Credit payments due to be issued between December 25 and January 2 will be made earlier than planned to ensure “everyone gets the support they need over Christmas”. People due to receive their Universal Credit payment on Christmas Day will now receive it on Tuesday, December 24, while those due to receive theirs on Wednesday, January 1 will get paid on Tuesday, December 31.

DWP has already confirmed payment date changes to the State Pension and other benefits including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has also announced revised payment dates for those on Tax Credits and Child Benefit, along with similar scheduled payment changes for people in Scotland on devolved benefits such as Adult Disability Payment and Carer Support Payment.

READ MORE: Full list of DWP, HMRC and devolved benefit payments due by Christmas Eve

READ MORE: New DWP plans to get people with back, joint, and muscle health conditions into work

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP, said: “While a time of joy for many, the Christmas period can be overshadowed by financial worry for others, particularly for families on the lowest incomes.

“Our Plan for Change will deliver the long-term economic stability and growth needed to improve every family’s financial security by putting more money in their pockets while we take immediate action to support them with the cost of living.

“As well as bringing forward benefit payments to continue support over Christmas, our Household Support Fund can also provide extra help, and I encourage anyone struggling to get in touch with their local council to see if they are eligible.”

In September, the Household Support Fund received a £421 million cash injection extending it through to March 2025. At Budget, an additional £1 billion was allocated extending it even further through to March 2026, so councils can continue to provide an extra safety net of cost of living support for longer.

The Scottish Government received £41m to help support people in all 32 local council areas north of the border. If you are on a low income, struggling to pay food or fuel bills, contact your local council to see if you are eligible for additional financial support - find out more here.

At the Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that 700,000 of the poorest households with children receiving Universal Credit will also benefit from the introduction of a new Fair Repayment Rate on benefit deductions.

This new rate means the amount deducted from someone’s benefit payment due to an overpayment is reduced from 25 per cent to 15 per cent, saving those who need to repay up to £420.

The UK Government said it is “committed to reviewing Universal Credit so people receive the support they need as swiftly as possible, as it progresses with wider work to fix the social security system, reduce poverty and put more money in people’s pockets, a key part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change”.