Many people in the UK may receive their benefits earlier than normal next month. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will alter their timetables due to the impending bank holidays. These holidays affect when payments may be processed, thus some benefits will be paid sooner than usual.
Receiving paychecks early can help alleviate financial stress during the hectic Christmas season. However, people should manage their finances carefully because the time between payments will be significantly longer. We will give an updated payment schedule and critical information to assist you in adjusting to these changes.
DWP and HMRC Benefits New Payment Dates
The holiday season includes multiple bank holidays, which means that the DWP and HMRC typically do not process payments on those days. This year, Christmas Day is on Wednesday, December 25, and Boxing Day is on Thursday, December 26. Because these are bank holidays, persons who ordinarily receive benefits on these dates will receive them sooner.
New Year’s Day (Wednesday, January 1) is also a bank holiday, so payments for that day will be made ahead of schedule. This means that recipients will receive their funds before the customary payment date, which may assist them manage their expenses over the holidays.
Bank Holidays Affecting Payments
- Christmas Day: Wednesday, December 25
- Boxing Day: Thursday, December 26
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1
The table below shows the revised payment dates for people whose usual payment date falls on a bank holiday.
| Usual Payment Date | Revised Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, December 25 | Tuesday, December 24 |
| Thursday, December 26 | Tuesday, December 24 |
| Wednesday, January 1 | Tuesday, December 31 |
These new dates imply that benefit payments will be sent one or two days earlier, allowing recipients to receive their money before the holidays. If your payment date falls on a regular working day that is not a bank holiday, your payment schedule will remain unchanged. You will receive your benefits as usual, with no disruptions.
Benefits That Will Be Paid Early
Here is a list of DWP and HMRC benefits that could be paid early because of the bank holidays:
- Universal Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Carer’s Allowance
- State Pension
- Child Benefit
- Tax Credits
Usually, these benefits are paid on a set schedule, but the bank holidays mean that some changes are necessary to make sure everyone gets their money on time.
What to Do if You Haven’t Received Your Payment
If you expect a payment and do not get it by the amended date, you should contact your benefit provider immediately. While most payments are handled smoothly, there are occasional delays, particularly during the Christmas season due to the high volume of transactions.
- DWP hotline: If you have any issues about benefits controlled by the DWP, call the hotline number indicated on your benefits letter.
- HMRC Helpline: To inquire about Tax Credits or Child Benefits, call HMRC’s helpline.
Also See: DWP Announces 2025 PIP and DLA Benefit Increase, Everything Claimants Need to Know
