Universal Credit: Christmas payment dates & opening times confirmed - DWP says
Universal Credit is designed to help people who have been out of work or are currently on a low income. As such, it is a helping hand for many households who may be juggling difficult financial circumstances. Amid the ongoing pandemic, millions more turned to Universal Credit as a source of monetary assistance.
Due to the fact Boxing Day this year falls on a Saturday, an additional bank holiday has been built into the calendar for the following Monday.
As a result, those who are due to be paid on this date will also see their expectations disrupted.
However, they can also expect their payment several days earlier, now to fall on December 24.
Those claiming other benefits from the DWP – such as legacy benefits – over this period, can expect an even earlier payment on Wednesday, December 23.
The New Year period will also be disruptive, with Universal Credit claimants expecting to be paid on January 1, instead receiving their payment on New Year’s Eve, alongside other benefit claimants.
Finally, in Scotland, there is an extra bank holiday which falls on Monday January 4.
Those expecting payment on this date, will instead obtain their sum on Thursday December 31.
The DWP has also outlined the times its offices and phone lines will be open over the festive period.
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, offices and phone lines will be closed, alongside Monday December 28.
However, between December 29 and Thursday December 31, the phone lines and offices will be open as normal.
They will close again on New Year’s Day, and reopen fully on Monday, January 4 2021.
In Scotland, however, on Christmas Eve, offices will be open but phone lines only open for PIP New Claims.
They will reopen between December 29 and 31, closing again on New Year’s Day.
On the Scottish bank holiday falling on Monday January 4, 2021, offices will be closed, but phone lines open for missing or urgent payments only.
The DWP offices and phone lines will return to normal practice in Scotland on Tuesday January 5, 2021.
Baroness Stedman-Scott, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the DWP commented on the matter.
She said: “Jobcentres have been open throughout this pandemic. Our colleagues have provided vital support to the most vulnerable people and will continue to do so over the Christmas period.
“Check these dates and make sure you know when you will be getting your payments.”
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