The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced changes to State Pension and benefit payment dates over the Christmas and New Year period. The adjustments apply to those whose usual payment dates fall on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, or New Year’s Day.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has already published online guidance, and DWP has now followed suit. The changes are necessary because offices, web services, and telephone lines typically close on bank holidays, and payments are rescheduled to ensure claimants can access support if needed.
Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day are bank holidays across England, Scotland, and Wales, while 2 January is an additional bank holiday in Scotland only. There will be no change to Child Benefit payment dates this year as Christmas falls on a Thursday and Boxing Day on a Friday.
Claimants are advised to check the altered payment dates online at GOV.UK for full details specific to their benefits.
