Millions of households across the UK are being urged to take note of significant changes to benefit payment dates over the upcoming Christmas and New Year period. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially confirmed its schedule, which will see many payments arriving earlier than usual.
Key Changes to DWP Payment Dates
The adjustments will affect payments due between Wednesday 24 December 2025 and Friday 2 January 2026. The government has outlined different rules for Universal Credit compared to other legacy benefits, meaning recipients must check which category they fall into.
For those on Universal Credit, any payment scheduled for Christmas Day (Thursday 25 December) or Boxing Day (Friday 26 December) will be paid one day earlier, on Wednesday 24 December. Furthermore, a payment due on New Year's Day (Thursday 1 January 2026) will be made on Wednesday 31 December 2025.
The rules differ for recipients of other benefits, including State Pension, Pension Credit, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). For these payments, if the due date falls on the 24th, 25th, or 26th of December, the money will land in accounts two days early, on Tuesday 23 December. A New Year's Day payment will also be moved to 31 December.
Special Arrangements for Scotland
There is a notable exception for Scottish claimants. A payment due on Thursday 2 January 2026, which is a bank holiday in Scotland, will be processed on the actual due date for Universal Credit. For other benefits, the 2 January payment in Scotland will be brought forward to 31 December 2025.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Late
The DWP advises that payments are typically made straight into a nominated bank, building society, or credit union account. The department's general guidance states: "If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday you’ll usually be paid on the working day before."
However, if your benefit does not arrive on the expected revised date, you should contact the relevant office promptly. This could be the Pension Service or your local Jobcentre Plus, depending on which benefit you receive. Do not assume the delay will resolve itself.
It is also helpful to know the standard payment frequencies for different benefits, as listed by the government:
- Jobseeker’s Allowance - usually every two weeks
- State Pension and Pension Credit - usually every four weeks
- Universal Credit - every month
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - usually every four weeks
- Child Benefit - usually every four weeks, or weekly for single parents
The £10 Christmas Bonus
Eligible individuals may also receive an additional tax-free £10 Christmas Bonus. This is typically paid automatically to people who receive certain qualifying benefits in the first full week of December. These benefits include the guarantee element of Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment, and Carer's Allowance.
The bonus should be paid into the same account used for regular benefits and may appear on bank statements as 'DWP XB'. If you believe you are eligible but have not received the payment by 1 January 2026, you should contact the DWP.
For full and official details, always refer to the latest information on the GOV.UK website.
