The Department for Work and Pensions has announced crucial changes to its payment schedule to ensure millions of claimants across the UK receive their money ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Key Payment Dates Brought Forward
With Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day all falling on bank holidays, the DWP is shifting payments that would normally land on those days. The adjustments are designed to prevent any financial disruption for recipients during the festive fortnight, a period when DWP and HMRC offices are closed.
A spokesperson for the department stated that moving the payments ensures "no one misses out due to bank holidays or office closures". The changes follow similar guidance already issued by HMRC for some benefits.
Which Benefits Are Affected?
The altered schedule applies to a broad range of DWP-administered support. The full list includes:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
It is important to note that Child Benefit payments are not affected this year, as HMRC issues these only on Mondays and Tuesdays, and the key holidays fall on a Thursday and Friday.
Detailed Schedule for Claimants
For those receiving Universal Credit, payments due on Christmas Day (Thursday 25 December) and Boxing Day (Friday 26 December) will both be paid on Wednesday 24 December. A payment due on New Year's Day (Thursday 1 January) will be issued on Wednesday 31 December. Payments due on Friday 2 January are unchanged.
For most other DWP benefits and the State Pension, the changes are slightly different. Payments scheduled for Wednesday 24, Thursday 25, and Friday 26 December will all be paid on Tuesday 23 December. Any payment due on New Year's Day will be made on Wednesday 31 December.
All claimants are urged to check their bank accounts accordingly and to be aware of the revised dates. The full and official list of payment date changes is available on the GOV.UK website.
Planning for the Festive Period
By proactively moving these payment dates, the DWP aims to provide certainty and allow individuals and families to budget effectively for the holiday season. The move ensures that support networks and access to funds remain uninterrupted while government offices are closed for the public holidays.
Residents in Scotland should note that January 2 is also a bank holiday, but this does not affect the DWP's payment schedule for the benefits listed.
