Universal Credit — all stories
UK Budget 2026: what was announced for benefits, the State Pension and tax
The Office for Budget Responsibility has confirmed the government is meeting its stability and investment rules, with a £15 billion buffer against the stability rule…
Warm Home Discount 2026-27: who qualifies for the £150 bill discount
Whether a household qualifies depends on its situation on 23 August 2026, GOV.UK says.
Cold Weather Payment 2026-27: who gets £25 and when it is paid
Nobody needs to apply, and each payment should arrive within 14 working days of a period of very cold weather in the claimant’s area, GOV.UK says.
Housing Benefit payment dates 2026: set by your council, not a national timetable
Most people can no longer make a new claim for the benefit at all, GOV.UK says, because Universal Credit has taken its place.
Universal Credit payment dates November and December 2026
Payments due on a weekend in November and December move to the Friday before, and those due on 1, 2 or 3 January 2027 arrive on Thursday 31 December.
Benefit payment dates 2026: what the bank holiday rule means
Universal Credit, State Pension and most other benefits move automatically to the working day before a weekend or bank holiday, with no action needed from the claimant…
UK Tories’ ‘back to work’ card would block alcohol
Claimants would keep the full rate for six months, and after that only if they have built up enough years of paying tax.
Christmas 2026 benefit payment dates: when Universal Credit, PIP and State Pension are paid
Payments due 25 to 28 December 2026 are usually paid on Thursday 24 December, and those due 1 to 3 January 2027 on Thursday 31 December, going by GOV.UK’s rule.
