The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that critical benefit payments and some Universal Credit would be deposited into people’s accounts early. Those who were supposed to get 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.
Other benefits due between December 25 and January 2 will also be paid sooner. The government clarified: “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, 6.3 million individuals receive Universal Credit, with around 594 households obtaining tax credits and an additional 7.65 million receiving child benefit per month.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability, Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, stated: “While a time of joy for many, the Christmas season can be overshadowed by financial worry for others, particularly for low-income families.”
“Our Plan for Change will provide the long-term economic stability and growth required to boost every family’s financial security by putting more money in their wallets while also taking urgent action to help them with the expense 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-time payment of £10 that will appear as ‘DWP XB’ on bank statements.
Individuals who are eligible must be present or ‘ordinarily resident’ in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar during the qualifying week. To qualify for the bonus, you must also get one of the advantages mentioned on the government’s website.
The list has 22 distinct benefits, but they include the State Pension, Pension Credit, Disability Living Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and Armed Forces Independence Payment.
The Christmas bonus was launched in 1972 by then-Conservative Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath; nevertheless, the sum has stayed same for more than 50 years, with some opponents claiming that the payment has not kept up with inflation.
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