The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that key benefit payments and some Universal Credit will be landing in people’s accounts early. Those due to receive their Universal Credit on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day will now be paid on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, one day earlier.
Those expecting other benefits paid between December 25 and January 2 will see that money earlier too. The government said: “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.”
As of January 2024, a total of 6.3 million people claim Universal Credit with around 594 families claiming tax credits and an extra 7.65 million receiving child benefit each month.
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 get in touch with their local council to see if they are eligible.”
The Christmas bonus is a one-off payment of £10 which will show up as ‘DWP XB’ on bank statements.
Eligible individuals must be present or ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar during the qualifying week. To get the bonus, it is also required to be receiving one of the benefits listed on the Government website.
The list states 22 different benefits, but it includes State Pension, Pension Credit, Disability Living Allowance, Carer’s Allowance and Armed Forces Independence Payment.
The Christmas bonus was first introduced in 1972 under then-Conservative Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath, however, the amount has remained unchanged for over 50 years, with some critics saying the grant hasn’t increased with inflation.
