Universal Credit – Impact of receiving December wages early
Early pay can make it seem like individuals have received twice as much pay as normal, because two pay packets fall within one Universal Credit assessment period; thereby reducing the amount of Universal Credit members receive.
Two ways you can advise on how to reduce the risk of this are:
- Employers can report the usual pay date to HMRC, rather than reporting the earlier pay date. Or, if the employer cannot report pay on the usual date.
- Members can ask the Department for Works & Pensions (DWP) to reallocate one of the salary payments to a different Universal Credit assessment period. Members may need to provide additional information or evidence and the DWP may not be able to make the change in time for their next Universal Credit payment. Members can contact the DWP through their Universal Credit Journal to request this.
Winter Essentials Grant opening on 11 December 2024 at 12 noon, for 24 hours
The existing Winter Fuel Grant programme has been replaced with a new Winter Essentials Grant programme.
Key new features:
- Bank transfers to be replaced by vouchers.
- Application process to move to a 24-hour application window and subsequent random ballot.
- Launch date will be Wednesday 11 December 2024 at midday.
- Eligibility criteria for the Winter Essentials Grant programme can be found here.
So, the message now to members is check eligibility and save the date. It’ll be promoted to all members on 5 December.
Applications will need to be made online during the 24-hour period from 12 noon on Wednesday 11 December.
If members are unable to complete the application due to a disability access need, they should email: weg@unison.co.uk or call UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857.