People on benefits may need to shift their budgets this month to account for the payment changes (Image: GETTY)
Universal Credit recipients and other benefit claimants could face disruptions to their payments this month, according to the ().
Those due to receive their next payment between December 25, 2024, and January 2, 2025, may find their money arriving on different dates, largely due to the bank holidays.
However, Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, has noted that the decision to bring forward some support payments should help ease the financial burden of Christmas for those on benefits.
Universal Credit payments due on December 24, 25, and 26 will be paid on December 24, while those due on January 1 will be made on December 31.
Payments due on December 24, 27, 30, 31 and January 2 should remain unaffected for Universal Credit claimants. The also confirmed new payment date changes for Tax Credits, Child Benefit and other benefits.
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Tax Credits due on December 25, 26 and 27 will be paid on December 24, while those due on January 1 or 2 will be made on December 31.
Child Benefit payments should largely remain unchanged, but those due on December 30 will instead be paid on December 31.
For most other benefits, payments due on December 24, 25, 26 and 27 will be paid on December 24, and those due on January 1 or 2 will be paid on December 31 instead.
The MP has spoken out on the updates revealed just days before Christmas, highlighting the financial stress that can mar the festive season for many, particularly families with modest means.
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He pointed out: “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 .”
Moreover, he has called on those families finding it tough to get by over the holidays to seek out support from their local council, reminding them that they might qualify for aid from the Household Support Fund.
An impressive £421million has been shared out amongst councils throughout the UK, which are entrusted with the responsibility of deciding on the most effective way to distribute it to support the most disadvantaged households in their area.