City of York Council is advising York residents to be aware of Universal Credit payment changes ahead of the festive period.
Universal Credit is handled by the Department for Work and Pensions to help people on a low income or not in work, meet their living costs. It combines six benefits, including housing benefit and working tax credit, into a single monthly payment.
If you are in employment whilst claiming Universal Credit and receive your wage early in December, you may find your next Universal Credit (UC) payment is reduced. This may leave you short of money over the Christmas period.
If you receive two wage payments during your UC assessment period this will reduce the amount of UC you will receive for that period, and depending on personal earnings, may not receive any UC payment.
This may mean that wage payments are less in the following assessment period and UC will be higher for that next assessment period.
If you are new to Universal Credit you may not receive your first payment until January 2019. You can apply for an Advanced Payment to tide you over, through your online account, your work coach or the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644. If you this will mean you are unable to pay your rent then please contact your landlord.
If you are unsure when your UC payments will be made, make sure you organise your finances to ensure this doesn’t cause you issues over the holidays. For more information, visit: https://www.york.gov.uk/UniversalCredit.
Councillor Ian Gillies, Leader of City of York Council, said: “Universal Credit payments are normally made in arrears once at the end of the month, rather than being paid every week. However, many York residents will be unaware.
“This is why we are encouraging people who receive UC to be prepared by looking into the festive holiday payment plan.”
Councillor Carol Runciman, executive member for adult social care and health, said: “I would strongly urge anyone in receipt of Universal Credit to double check their upcoming payment dates, so they are not caught out in the New Year.”
“More importantly, if anyone is concerned about their Universal Credit payments, please call 01904 552044 for help and advice.”
Payment dates for Universal Credit:
Universal Credit customers will receive their December payment within their usual payment period. Payments will not be delayed due to the Christmas and New Year public holidays.
| Universal Credit payment is due on… | Universal Credit will be paid on… |
| Saturday 22 December | Friday 21 December |
| Sunday 23 December | Friday 21 December |
| Monday 24 December | Monday 24 December |
| Tuesday 25 December | Monday 24 December |
| Wednesday 26 December | Monday 24 December |
| Tuesday 1 January | Monday 31 December |
| Saturday 5 January | Friday 4 January |
| Sunday 6 January | Friday 4 January |
Payment dates for all other benefits
| Customer’s payment is due on… | Customer will be paid on… |
|---|---|
| Monday 24 December | Friday 21 December |
| Tuesday 25 December | Friday 21 December |
| Wednesday 26 December | Friday 21 December |
| Tuesday 1 January | Monday 31 December |
| Wednesday 2 January | Monday 31 December,
apart from ESA, JSA and IScustomers in England and Wales – they will be paid on 2 January
Please note that the information on GOV.UK for payments due on 2 January is currently incorrect and is in the process of being updated |
“Just giving a bit of ‘One Planet’ thought to how we can recycle, re-use and compost Christmas waste can make a huge difference to the amount we throw away.