The countdown to Christmas is on and for many this means the next Universal Credit (UC) payment date - but how does the festive period affect it?
Since the start of lockdown, the number of people in Bristol claiming UC has increased and now the DWP has revealed when UC claimants will receive their money.
UC payments are usually paid monthly and according to the UK Government's website, if a payment date falls on a bank holiday - including Christmas - then claimants will receive the money earlier.
This year, Christmas falls on a Friday and so according to the Government's website, those receiving UC will get their money the day before on Christmas Eve.
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Bank Holiday payment dates
Due Date Payment Date
| 25 December 2020 | 24 December |
| 28 December 2020 | 24 December |
1 January 2021 |
31 December |
The amount that your receive and how you're paid should remain the same which also means that future payments shouldn't be affected.
However receiving the payment early does mean, similar to receiving wages, that the time until the next payment will be further away and so the money will have to last a little longer.
