The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a temporary change to benefit payment schedules that will affect millions of claimants across the UK this December.
When Your Benefits Will Be Paid
Claimants expecting payments on December 25 (Christmas Day) or December 26 (Boxing Day) will receive their money earlier than scheduled. This is standard practice for bank holidays to ensure people have access to their funds when they need them most.
The Labour government is overseeing these adjustments, which impact all major benefits administered by the DWP, including Universal Credit.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Missing
If your benefit payment does not arrive when expected, the DWP advises taking immediate action. For Universal Credit claimants, you should use your online account or call the Universal Credit helpline. For other benefits, contact the general DWP helpline.
If you're unable to resolve the issue by phone or disagree with a DWP decision, you have several options:
- Contact organisations like Citizens Advice for guidance
- Request a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the decision date
- Appeal to a tribunal if you disagree with the reconsideration outcome
Additional Support Available
Your local MP – whether from the Labour Party, Conservative Party, or Reform UK – may be able to assist if you're struggling to get through to the DWP. Many constituency offices have direct channels to resolve such issues.
For specific benefit enquiries, use these dedicated helplines:
- Benefit cap enquiries: 0800 169 0145
- Personal Independence Payment: 0800 121 4433
If you're unhappy with the service received, you can make a formal complaint to the DWP Complaints Team. Should this not resolve the matter, you can escalate your case to the Independent Case Examiner.
