The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that some Universal Credit and other benefit payments due to be paid between 25 December 2024 and 2 January 2025 will be made earlier than planned this year.
- Universal Credit payments due on Christmas Day and New Year's Day will be paid on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
- Additional support for struggling families also available from the government's extended Household Support Fund.
- Part of the Government's commitment to put more money into people's pockets through the Plan for Change.
Some Universal Credit and other benefit payments due between 25 December 2024 and 2 January 2025 will be made early to make sure everyone gets the support they need over Christmas, the Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed.
People due to receive their Universal Credit payment on Wednesday 25 December will now receive it on Tuesday 24 December, while those due to receive theirs on Wednesday 1 January will get paid on Tuesday 31 December.
There will also be payments for other benefits made early, including Child Benefit and Tax Credits, during this period of added financial pressure for low-income families.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Rt Hon 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 cost of living.
"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
