Millions of households receiving Universal Credit and other key benefits will see their payments made earlier than usual this festive season, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed.
Furthermore, payments scheduled for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day will now be issued on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, providing timely support during a financially demanding period.
Early Benefit Payments and Household Support Fund to Aid Families During Holidays
In addition to Universal Credit, other benefits such as Child Benefit and Tax Credits will also be paid earlier for those due to receive funds between 25 December and 2 January 2025. These changes aim to ease financial stress for low-income families during the holiday season.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, acknowledged the challenges faced by many families at this time of year. He stated:
“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.”
The Household Support Fund, which is part of the government’s cost-of-living assistance measures, is also available for those needing extra help. Families struggling to make ends meet are encouraged to contact their local council to check eligibility for this support.
How the Household Support Fund Can Assist Families:
- Food and Essential Supplies: Grants for groceries and household essentials.
- Utility Bills: Support for heating, electricity, and water costs.
- One-Off Expenses: Help with urgent payments such as replacing essential appliances or covering emergency travel costs.
Local councils determine eligibility criteria, and claimants should apply directly to access this additional assistance.
Impact of Early Benefit Payments
The changes will impact a significant number of people relying on state benefits:
- 6.3 million Universal Credit claimants as of January 2024.
- Approximately 594,000 families receiving Tax Credits.
- Around 7.65 million households benefiting from Child Benefit each month.
These households will receive their payments earlier if they are scheduled for a date between 25 December 2024 and 2 January 2025, ensuring they can plan their finances without interruption over the festive season. Payments scheduled outside this window will not be affected.
Early Payment Dates at a Glance
The following table outlines the adjusted payment dates for different benefits:
| Original Payment Date | Universal Credit Payment Date | Tax Credits Payment Date | Child Benefit Payment Date | Other Benefits Payment Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 24 December | Tuesday 24 December | Tuesday 24 December | ||
| Wednesday 25 December | Tuesday 24 December | Tuesday 24 December | Tuesday 24 December | |
| Thursday 26 December | Tuesday 24 December | Tuesday 24 December | Tuesday 24 December | |
| Friday 27 December | Friday 27 December | Tuesday 24 December | Tuesday 24 December | |
| Monday 30 December | Tuesday 31 December | |||
| Wednesday 1 January | Tuesday 31 December | Tuesday 31 December | Tuesday 31 December | |
| Thursday 2 January | Thursday 2 January | Tuesday 31 December | Tuesday 31 December |
Government Initiatives to Support Families During the Holiday Season
These adjustments aim to provide financial relief to those who may otherwise face economic difficulties during the holidays. For those in need of further assistance, the government’s Household Support Fund offers additional aid in areas such as food, energy bills, and other essentials. Families are encouraged to reach out to their local councils to access these resources.
