The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to pay a range of benefits earlier than usual today. Due to the Christmas bank holidays, the DWP and HMRC adjust payment schedules as they do not process payments on bank holidays.
Therefore, if you’re due a payment, it will arrive earlier than anticipated. As New Year’s Day is a bank holiday, those expecting a payment on the first day of the month will receive it today instead.
If you’re due a non-Universal Credit benefit payment on Thursday, January 2, you should expect it on Tuesday, December 31. Those residing in Scotland who are due payments for all legacy benefits on January 2 will also receive them today.
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The following list of benefits will be affected by the New Year bank holiday: If your payment is scheduled for a different day, there’s no need to take any action – the money will be deposited into your account as usual. The amount you receive will remain unchanged, and it will be paid into the same account where you normally receive your benefit payment.
It’s crucial to remember that while receiving your benefits early may seem beneficial, it does mean that you need to stretch your money further, even if it’s just by one day, reports the Mirror.
Should your money fail to arrive in your account on the new payment date, it’s crucial to contact the department that pays your benefit promptly. This is due to the closure of DWP/HMRC support offices over bank holidays.
The relevant support numbers can be found on the government’s official website. The Universal Credit helpline can be reached at 0800 328 5644.