Millions of households can expect to be paid certain benefits early in December (Image: Getty)
Millions of Brits are being reminded to check their calendars next month as many of them are set to receive cash support earlier than usual. In December, certain UK households will be paid benefits, including Universal Credit and PIP, earlier than normal.
Typically, these types of financial support are paid once a month, but bank holidays such as Christmas Day can change the schedule.
As a result of the upcoming festive period, benefit claimants will not receive their payments on their usual dates over Christmas and New Years, reports. So if your payment is due on a bank holiday, you can expect to see the money in your bank account earlier than expected.
You should receive the money on the first working day before your expected payment date. For instance, if you usually receive your payment on December 25, 26 or 27, you will be paid on December 24 instead.
This is because the last working day before the holidays is Tuesday, December 24. The New Year bank holiday on January 1 also affects benefit claimants.
Due to certain bank holidays in December, payment dates might be moved (Image: Getty)
If your benefit is due on January 1, you will be paid on December 31. Again, this is because the last working day before the New Year is Tuesday, December 31.
The Department for Work and Pensions has stated that a total of 11 benefits will be impacted by the change.
These include:
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
- Universal Credit
- Child benefit (paid by )
- Tax credits (paid by )
It’s important to note that the amount you receive will not change.
Even though you may have been paid a few days earlier, you will also need to ensure the money lasts until the following month. If you believe you were supposed to be paid, but the funds have not appeared in your account, it could be worth double checking the dates.
If it turns out that the money has not been deposited into your account, you should contact the . You can reach their Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
People are also urged to be wary of changes that are coming to Universal Credit, which is replacing six benefits under the old welfare system – often referred to as legacy benefits.
These include Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, and Housing Benefit.
If you’re currently receiving any of these benefits, you have the option to switch over – but it might not necessarily mean you’ll be better off.
It’s important to carefully consider what this transition means for your finances, as once you’ve moved to Universal Credit, you can’t revert back.
To check which benefits are best suited to you there are free online comparison tools availsble to use, including and EntitledTo.
You may be transitioned over to Universal Credit if there’s a change in your circumstances, such as moving house, a change in working hours or having a baby. However, eventually everyone will be moved over to Universal Credit.