Universal Credit: What time does DWP payment go into my bank ...

Universal Credit is claimed by around six million people in the UK - but what time are payments normally sent to bank accounts?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) pays Universal Credit on the same day each month. There are some exceptions where you may be paid earlier - for example, if your benefit payment is due on the weekend or on a bank holiday.

If you live in Scotland, your Universal Credit can be paid once or twice a month. Your payment is calculated according to your "assessment period" which normally lasts one calendar month and takes into account your circumstances, such as how much you've been paid that month, if you're in employment.

Your Universal Credit is normally paid seven days after the end of your monthly "assessment period" into your bank account or building society.

Have you had trouble claiming Universal Credit? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk

What time does Universal Credit go into my bank account?

Universal Credit is normally paid shortly after midnight on the day of your payment, although some banks may deposit the funds earlier at around 11.30pm the night before.

It all depends on who your bank or building society is. In some cases, you may have to wait until 2am to 3am, while some people may not be able to access the funds until 6am on payday.

How is Universal Credit calculated?

Working out how much Universal Credit you're due can be a slightly confusing process. Your claim is first made up of a "standard allowance" which is based on your age and if you’re claiming as a single person, or in a couple.

The standard allowance is:

• Single under 25: £292.11 per month

• Single 25 or over: £368.74 per month

• Joint claimants both under 25: £458.51 per month

• Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over: £578.82 per month

You may then be entitled to additional top-ups on top of this. For example, you could get more money if you look after a child, or you're unable to work due to health issues. You can see the extra amounts you may be eligible to claim on the GOV.UK website.

Both your standard allowance and additional payments are then added together to give your total figure before any deductions are then made. You may have money taken off your Universal Credit claim if you work, if you have savings, or if you owe the DWP money.

For those in work, there is a taper rate which reduces your Universal Credit payment by 55p or every £1 you earn. But some people get a "work allowance" which is a set amount you can earn before your Universal Credit is reduced. This is normally only available to those who have responsibility for a child or has a disability or health condition that affects their ability to work.

Currently, the work allowance is:

• £379 a month (if you get help with housing costs)

• £631 a month (if you don't get help with housing costs)

If you get a work allowance then your Universal Credit will be reduced by 55p for every £1 you earn above your work allowance. The benefit cap, which limits the amount of benefits you can claim, can also affect your Universal Credit entitlement.

The benefit cap outside Greater London is:

• £1,835 per month (if you’re in a couple or if you're a single parent and your children live with you)

• £1,229 per month (if you’re a single adult)

The benefit cap inside Greater London is:

• £2,110 per month (if you’re in a couple or if you're a single parent and your children live with you)

• £1,413 per month (if you’re a single adult)

You can have up to £6,000 in savings before your Universal Credit is affected. If you or your partner have between £6,000 and £16,000 in savings, you're treated as if it gives you a monthly income of £4.35 for each £250. You won't be eligible for Universal Credit if you have more than £16,000 in savings.