Households claiming benefits from the government have been urged to check their bank accounts for early payments this week. The advice has been issued to anyone whose benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions were due to be paid on Wednesday, January 1.
That’s because this day falls on New Year’s Day, which is a UK bank holiday and the first one of 2025. When bank holidays take place, payments are usually paid early.
As a result, claimants in receipt of Universal Credit and other benefits have been told they can expect payments to be made a day early on Tuesday, December 31, which is New Year’s Eve.
READ MORE: £200 cost of living payments entering bank accounts in January
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For applicants who are single and aged 25 and under, Universal Credit is worth £311.68 per month. While it’s worth almost £400 – so £393.45 per month – for applicants who are aged 25 and over and single.
For applicants who live with a partner and both people are aged 25 or below, Universal Credit is worth £489.23. While it’s worth £617.60 for applicants who live with a partner are both are aged over 25. Find out more here.
The early DWP payment dates also apply to people claiming other benefits. According to the UK government website, these include: Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Child Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Maternity Allowance, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment, State Pension, Tax credits, such as Working Tax Credit, and Universal Credit.
Universal Credit payments
- Payment due on Wednesday, January 1 – paid into bank account on Tuesday, December 31.
Other benefit payments
- Payment due on Wednesday, January 1 – paid into bank account on Tuesday, December 31.
The reason why benefit payment dates are affected over the Christmas period is because offices close on New Year’s Day. That means payments are changed to days when offices are open so that claimants can speak to an advisor.