The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed revised payment dates for State Pensions and benefits over the Christmas and New Year period, with adjustments also announced by HMRC.
The changes will affect people whose regular payments are due on bank holidays, ensuring they receive their money early before offices close for the festive break. The shift helps guarantee that claimants have access to funds and support if assistance is needed before the holidays.
Why State Pensions and benefits payment dates are changing
Because Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25), Boxing Day (Friday, December 26) and New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1) are all bank holidays across England, Wales and Scotland and January 2 is also a bank holiday in Scotland – DWP offices, helplines, and online services will be temporarily closed. To prevent delays, payments scheduled for those days will be issued earlier.
HMRC published its updated festive payment guidance earlier this week, and the DWP has now confirmed matching arrangements to cover State Pension and a range of benefits including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, PIP, ESA, and others.
Universal Credit payment date changes
- Due Wednesday, December 24 – paid as normal
- Due Thursday, December 25 – paid on Wednesday, December 24
- Due Friday, December 26 – paid on Wednesday, December 24
For the New Year period:
- Due Thursday, January 1 – paid on Wednesday, December 31
- Due Friday, January 2 – paid as normal
Other DWP benefits and State Pension payment date changes
- Due Wednesday, December 24 – paid on Tuesday, December 23
- Due Thursday, December 25 – paid on Tuesday, December 23
- Due Friday, December 26 – paid on Tuesday, December 23
For the New Year:
- Due Thursday, January 1 – paid on Wednesday, December 31
The revised schedule applies to payments including State Pension, Carer’s Allowance, Employment Support Allowance (ESA), Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income Support, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Attendance Allowance.
No changes to Child Benefit payment dates
This year, Child Benefit payment dates remain unaffected since Christmas Day falls on a Thursday and Boxing Day on a Friday, aligning with standard processing days.
Claimants can check the full list of affected benefits and payment arrangements on the official GOV.UK website. The DWP has reminded people to allow time for payments to clear into their accounts and to double-check their bank details ahead of the holidays to avoid any disruption.