Many people in the UK may receive their benefit payments earlier than usual next month. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will alter their schedules because of the upcoming bank holidays. These holidays impact when payments can be processed, leading to some benefits being paid earlier than normal.
Receiving payments early can help ease financial stress during the busy holiday season. However, it’s important for recipients to plan their budgets carefully, as the time until the next payment will be slightly longer. Here, we provide the updated payment schedule and essential information to help you adjust to these changes.
New Payment Dates for DWP and HMRC Benefits
The holiday season brings several bank holidays, during which the DWP and HMRC typically do not process payments. This year, Christmas Day falls on Wednesday, December 25, and Boxing Day is on Thursday, December 26. Because these are bank holidays, those who normally receive their benefits on these dates will get their payments earlier.
New Year’s Day (Wednesday, January 1) is also a bank holiday, so payments scheduled for this day will be made early too. This means that recipients will receive their money before the usual payment date, helping them manage their expenses during 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 those 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 revised dates mean that benefit payments will be made one or two days earlier, allowing people to access their funds before the holidays. If your payment date falls on a regular working day that is not a bank holiday, there will be no changes to your payment schedule. You will receive your benefits as usual without any disruptions.
Benefits That Will Be Paid Early
Here is a list of DWP and HMRC benefits that could be paid early due to 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
These benefits are usually paid on a set schedule, but the bank holidays necessitate some changes to ensure everyone gets their money on time.
What to Do if You Haven’t Received Your Payment
If you expect a payment and do not receive it by the revised date, it is important to contact your benefit provider immediately. While most payments are processed smoothly, delays can occasionally occur, especially with the high volume of transactions during the holiday season.
Contact Information
- DWP Helpline: For questions about benefits managed by the DWP, contact the helpline number listed on your benefits correspondence.
- HMRC Helpline: For inquiries about Tax Credits or Child Benefits, contact HMRC using their helpline.
