The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced key changes to benefit payment schedules for December 2024 due to the Christmas and New Year holidays. This affects claimants of Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and other benefits.
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If you’re planning your finances for the festive season, here’s everything you need to know about the adjusted payment dates.
Why Are Payment Dates Changing?
Benefit payments are usually scheduled for specific days of the week or month. However, when these dates fall on weekends or bank holidays, the payments are moved to the preceding working day. This ensures that claimants receive their funds without delays during the holiday season.
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Adjusted Payment Dates in December 2024
Christmas Week
- December 24 (Tuesday)
Payments scheduled for this day will be credited as usual. - December 25 (Wednesday) – Christmas Day
Payments due on this day will be made on December 24 instead. - December 26 (Thursday) – Boxing Day
Payments scheduled for Boxing Day will also be paid on December 24. - December 27 (Friday)
Payments originally due on this day will arrive on December 24, three days earlier.
Exception for Universal Credit claimants:
Universal Credit payments due on December 27 will remain unchanged and will be made on the scheduled date.
New Year Week
- January 1 (Wednesday) – New Year’s Day
Payments due on January 1 will be credited on December 31 (Tuesday). - January 2 (Thursday)
In Scotland, where January 2 is an extended public holiday, payments will be made on December 31 (Tuesday).
Universal Credit claimants will still receive their payments on the originally scheduled date, January 2.
Changes for Child Benefit Payments
Child Benefit, typically paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday, will see the following adjustments:
- Northern Ireland Claimants
Payments due on December 30 will be delayed by one day and credited on December 31.
Tax Credit Payments
HMRC has already confirmed changes for tax credit payments:
- Scheduled payments will generally be credited earlier if they fall on Christmas or New Year holidays.
Key Dates to Remember
| Original Payment Date | Revised Payment Date | Applicable to |
|---|---|---|
| December 25 (Christmas Day) | December 24 (Tuesday) | All DWP benefits except UC |
| December 26 (Boxing Day) | December 24 (Tuesday) | All DWP benefits except UC |
| December 27 (Friday) | December 24 (Tuesday) | All DWP benefits except UC |
| January 1 (New Year’s Day) | December 31 (Tuesday) | All DWP benefits except UC |
| January 2 (Thursday) | December 31 (Tuesday, Scotland only) | All DWP benefits except UC |
How to Check Your Payments
To verify your revised payment date:
- Log in to your benefit account through the DWP or HMRC portal.
- Check your payment schedule.
- Contact the helpline if you have questions about specific changes.
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Plan Ahead for the Holiday Season
It’s important to account for these changes when managing your December budget. While most payments will arrive earlier than scheduled, keep in mind that the next payment cycle might feel longer due to the gap between dates.
By understanding these adjustments, you can ensure a smooth financial transition through the festive period.
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