Christmas payments 2018: When will child benefit, Universal Credit be paid over Christmas?
CHRISTMAS is an expensive time of year - so if you receive child benefit or Universal Credit when will these be paid over the festive period?
From presents to Christmas dinner, there are lots of extra outgoings putting pressure on your finances this month. But in some good news, HMRC has said people in receipt of some benefits will receive their payments earlier than usual. This is because Christmas Day 2018 falls on a Tuesday, and Christmas Day and Boxing Day are both public bank holidays. New Year's Day on January 1, 2019 also falls on a Monday.
The result of this means thousands of people in receipt of child benefit and Universal Credit will receive their payments up to 24 hours earlier than expected.
So when will the two benefits be paid over Christmas?
Child benefit payments
Child benefit is normally paid every four weeks on either a Monday or Tuesday.
But if your payment is due on December 25, this year you will be paid on December 24.
You will also be paid on Christmas Eve if you are set to receive your child benefit on January 1.
If you have any questions about payment you can are advised to check with your bank first before calling the Child Benefit office.
The number for any enquiries is 0300 200 3100 but be aware that the office will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and January 1.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a single monthly payment available to people who are not in work or are on a low income.
Universal Credit recipients will also see their benefits being paid in earlier because of the bank holidays.
So December 25 or 26 payments will be made on Christmas Eve.
For anyone expecting to receive Universal Credit on January 1, they can expect to be paid instead on December 31.
Payments on other non-bank holiday dates will be the same as usual.
Any queries about late or missing payments can be directed to the Universal Credit freephone numbers.
Call 0800 328 9344 or 0800 328 5644.