Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what measures are being taken to ensure that Universal Credit claimants are paid on time over the Christmas season.

The Department will advance the timing of all payments for people affected by bank holidays, to make sure they have money over the festive period. This year, we have also added a faster payment contingency function for people who need a Universal Credit advance.

Universal Credit payments due to be received on 23, 24, 25 & 26 December will be paid no later than 22 December.

Universal Credit payments due to be received on 30, 31 December & 1 January will receive payment no later than 29 December.