Universal Credit and other benefit payments are being paid early today for some claimants due to the New Year bank holiday.
There is a replacement bank holiday this Monday (January 2) to mark New Year’s Day, which falls on a Sunday.
If you would normally receive a benefit payment this Monday, then you should have been paid today (Friday, December 30) instead.
Some benefits due on Tuesday, January 3, have also been paid early today for households in Scotland.
Here is everything you need to know.
Keep in mind that if you get paid early, you will need to make your money last longer as there will be a longer wait until your next payment.
New Year bank holiday benefit payments
If you would normally have been paid a benefit payment this Monday (January 2) then you should have received this money today (December 30).
If you live in Scotland, and you are expecting a benefit payment on Tuesday (January 3) - except for Universal Credit - then that money should also be paid early today.
Universal Credit payments in Scotland that are due on Tuesday (January 3) will be paid that day as normal.
For Tax Credits, payments due on Monday and Tuesday (January 2 and 3) will be paid today (December 30).
If you live in England and Northern Ireland, and you have a Tax Credit payment due on Wednesday (January 4) then this will be paid on January 3 (Tuesday).
All other payment dates are not affected and the amount you receive will remain the same.
What benefits are affected by the New Year bank holiday?
The list of payments affected include:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment
- State Pension
- Universal Credit
- Tax Credits
How often you get paid your benefit depends on what type of support you claim.
For example, you’ll get paid Universal Credit on the same day each month, while Tax Credits are typically paid every four weeks or weekly.
Child benefit is usually every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday.
What if I don't get paid?
If you don't get your benefit payment when you expected to, first check double-check the date on your award notice and your bank account.
If you've got the right date, and the money isn't there, you should contact the relevant helpline.
Do keep in mind 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:
Call for free: 0300 200 3100
Outside UK: +44 161 210 3086
Tax credits:
Call HMRC for free: 0345 300 3900
From outside the UK: +44 2890 538 192
Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit and Employment and Support Allowance:
Call for free: 0800 169 0310
Textphone: 0800 169 0314
Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 169 0310