State pensioners will receive a cash boost before the start of the New Year (Image: Getty)
State pensioners across the UK will get an £884 cash boost from the () before .
The has confirmed that its payment dates will be brought forward due to the and New Year period, meaning some benefits will be paid early this month, including .
As New Year’s Day is a bank holiday, the government department will issue benefits payments earlier than normal to ensure claimants get the financial support they need.
Currently, the full new rate is paid at a rate of £221.20 per week and is normally issued by the every four weeks. As there are four full weeks in December, it means pensioners will get £884.80 this month and this payment will arrive in bank accounts early.
If you get the full basic , which is paid at a rate of £169.50 per week, then you’ll get £678 this month.
The has confirmed that pensioners due to receive their payment before January 2, 2025, will instead receive it on the following dates:
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If you’re payment is due on Wednesday, January 1, you’ll instead be paid on Tuesday, December 31
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If you’re payment is due on Thursday, January 2, you’ll instead be paid on Tuesday, December 31
Households are warned that the earlier payment dates may affect how they budget their finances in the following month, as they will have to make their money last a bit longer until their next payment lands in January.
If your payment date is changing this month, you don’t need to do anything as your money will be paid straight into your usual bank, building society or credit union account.
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Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP, said: “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 .
“As well as bringing forward benefit payments to continue support over Christmas, our Household Support Fund can also provide extra help, and I encourage anyone struggling to get in touch with their local council to see if they are eligible.”