The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a temporary change to payment schedules for several key benefits, affecting thousands of recipients across the UK. Payments for State Pension, Attendance Allowance, and Pension Credit due in the festive period will be issued earlier than usual.
Revised Payment Dates for the New Year Period
The adjustment specifically applies to payments scheduled between Wednesday 24 December 2025 and Friday 2 January 2026. The most notable change is for those expecting money on Thursday 1 January 2026 (New Year's Day). This payment will instead be made a day earlier, on Wednesday 31 December 2025 (New Year's Eve).
The DWP has issued clear guidance for claimants: If your payment does not arrive on the scheduled day, you must contact the office that handles your benefit. This proactive step is crucial to resolve any issues swiftly.
Understanding Your State Pension Entitlement
It is important for recipients to know which State Pension system they fall under. A significant reform in 2016 led to the creation of two distinct systems:
- The new State Pension: This applies to women born on or after 6 April 1953 and men born on or after 6 April 1951.
- The basic State Pension: This applies to women born before 6 April 1953 or men born before 6 April 1951.
The system you claim under depends solely on your date of birth when you reach State Pension age. You also have the option to defer (delay) claiming your State Pension, but when you do eventually claim, you will enter the system for which your age qualifies you.
How and When to Claim Your State Pension
Most people will receive a letter inviting them to claim up to four months before reaching State Pension age. However, you can still make a claim even if this letter does not arrive.
You can claim your State Pension online up to three months before your State Pension age, but you will need the invitation code from your letter. If you haven't received this code, you can request one via the official government website.
Alternative methods include claiming by phone on the State Pension claim line: 0800 731 7898 (available up to four months before your State Pension age), or by post. For the basic State Pension, a claim form can be downloaded from Gov.uk. Those claiming from outside the UK should contact the International Pension Centre.
Regular payments for Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit are made every four weeks by the DWP, with the State Pension typically following a weekly schedule. These upcoming date changes are a standard annual administrative adjustment for bank holidays, ensuring recipients have access to their funds before the break.
