DWP announces early Universal Credit disbursement dates due to December holidays

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to make early Universal Credit payments in December. Those who receive benefits such as Universal Credit and tax credits, which are typically paid on specific dates, will instead get their payment on the earliest working day if it falls on a bank holiday.

This change will affect DWP payments due on December 25, 26, and 27. If your benefit or tax credit payment is scheduled for one of these days, you'll be paid on Tuesday, December 24.

Similarly, if your payment is due on New Year's Day (January 1), you'll receive it on Tuesday, December 31. The maximum monthly Universal Credit payment varies based on your circumstances and location: In Greater London, the maximum monthly Universal Credit payment is £1,835 for couples and lone parents, and £1,229.42 for single adults.

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Elsewhere, the maximum monthly Universal Credit payment is £2,110.25 for couples and lone parents, and £1,413.92 for single adults.

The highest rate currently stands at £617.60 for couples where one or both partners are aged 25 and over. This maximum amount is subject to the benefit cap, which is calculated based on average household earnings, reports Birmingham Live.

However, there are certain circumstances where the benefit cap does not apply. These include if you or your partner receive specific benefits such as disability living allowance, personal independence payment, or carer's allowance, if you or your partner have been unemployed after working for a minimum of 12 months, or if your earnings or combined earnings with your partner total at least £793 per month.

The cap also does not apply if you have a dependent child who receives either DLA, PIP, Child Disability Payment or Adult Disability Payment. If you have a disabled child but have not yet claimed one of these disability benefits for them, it is advised that you seek advice about making a claim.

Regardless of the rate of disability benefit your child receives, any award will mean that the benefit cap does not apply to you.