Millions of people across the UK are being urged to take note of significant changes to key government services over the festive period. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have now published their official Christmas and New Year operating schedules.
Bank Holiday Closures and Service Impact
With both Christmas Day (25 December) and Boxing Day (26 December) designated as bank holidays, many public services will shut down entirely. This annual pause affects phone helplines, in-person Jobcentre appointments, and processing for benefits and tax enquiries. The DWP has confirmed that its services, including Jobcentre Plus, the Pension Service, and disability benefit lines, will follow a reduced schedule.
It is crucial for individuals who rely on these services to plan ahead, particularly if they have deadlines or urgent queries. While offices and phones will be silent, both departments emphasise that their online services and GOV.UK portals will remain accessible 24 hours a day throughout the holiday break.
HMRC Phone Line Schedule
Taxpayers needing to speak with HMRC must be aware of the following timetable for phone lines. The specific number required depends on the department, all of which can be found on the GOV.UK website.
The confirmed HMRC phone line opening times are:
- Wednesday 24 December: Open from 8am until 4pm.
- Thursday 25 December to Sunday 28 December: Closed.
- Monday 29 December and Tuesday 30 December: Open from 8am to 6pm.
- Wednesday 31 December: Open from 8am to 4pm.
- Thursday 1 January: Closed.
- Friday 2 January: Open from 8am to 6pm.
An HMRC spokesperson advised: “While we’re away, our online services are available 24/7 for many tasks, including checking your tax code or submitting a self-assessment return.”
DWP and Jobcentre Plus Timetables
Opening hours for DWP services vary significantly depending on location and the specific benefit. A key difference exists between Jobcentre Plus offices in England and Wales compared to those in Scotland, due to differing local bank holiday arrangements.
For Jobcentre Plus in England and Wales:
- Offices and phones close from Wednesday 24 December through Friday 26 December.
- They reopen from Monday 29 to Wednesday 31 December, with offices open as usual but phone lines closing at 4pm.
- Everything is closed on Thursday 1 January for New Year's Day.
- On Friday 2 January, offices open normally, with phones operating until 4pm.
For Jobcentre Plus in Scotland:
- Offices are open as usual on Wednesday 24 December, with phones available until 4pm.
- Full closure follows on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 December.
- Services resume from Monday 29 to Wednesday 31 December (phones until 4pm).
- Another full closure occurs on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 January.
Benefit-Specific Helpline Hours
The Pension Service helpline will be closed on 25-26 December and 1 January. Notably, it will be open in Scotland on 24 December from 8am to 5pm, but closed there on 2 January.
Helplines for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Attendance Allowance (AA) will all be shut on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. Regional variations apply for the days around the holidays, with Scotland having different availability on 24 December and 2 January for some lines.
For the most precise and up-to-date information, including specific contact numbers, residents are strongly encouraged to visit the official GOV.UK website before attempting to make contact during the festive period.
