Being paid early for Christmas might be a bonus for some, but for those receiving Universal Credit it could cause an issue with their claim.

Because Universal Credit's monthly assessment period is based on the date a person’s first claim was made, getting paid early in December could see two salary payments land in the bank within the monthly assessment period – and the combined salaries could take claimants above the threshold.

If staff receive Universal Credit, and think they could be affected by this, they can opt to be paid on the usual pay date of December 27th.

To change the pay date, employees should email the Welfare Benefits team on revenues.DHP@falkirk.gov.uk and attach their electronic 'journal’ provided by DWP before November 30th. To do this, either click on the email address above and fill out the email template that pops out or cut and paste the template below into an email and fill in the correct details before sending.

A review will be carried out, and if an employee is affected by the early Christmas pay date, a request for a deferred payment date will be submitted to the Falkirk Council Payroll team.

If staff miss the November 30th deadline and face financial hardship as a result, they can seek advice from one of the three teams that make up the Council’s Community Advice Service:

• Welfare Benefits: The team provide advice on all benefit matters and can be contacted on 01324 506070.
• The Scottish Welfare Fund: The team help individuals who are in a crisis situation and can be contacted on 01324 506070.
• The Debt Team: The team help individuals with debt issues and can be contacted on 01324 504736.

Staff can also visit one of the Council’s Advice & Support Hubs for face-to-face assistance:

• East Hub: 5 York Lane, Grangemouth, FK3 8BD. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Tel 01324 506070.
• West Hub: Carronbank House, Carronbank Crescent, Denny, FK6 6GA. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Tel: 01324 506070.

Email template

I am a Universal Credit recipient and understand that my eligibility may be affected by the proposed early payment of salary in December 2018.

Accordingly, I request that the Welfare Benefits team at Falkirk Council undertake a review of my assessment period to assess whether the early payment is likely to affect me. Please find attached my electronic ‘journal’ to allow the review to be undertaken.

If the review concludes that my eligibility to Universal Credit is likely to be affected as a result of the proposed early payment, I agree that the Welfare Benefits team should instruct the Falkirk Council Payroll team of my wish to have payment deferred until 27th December.

I further agree that on receipt of instruction from the Welfare Benefits team, the Falkirk Council Payroll team should defer my December 2018 salary payment to 27th December.

Employee name:
Employee number
Address: