Full list of December benefits pay dates with warning over Christmas Day given

If you receive benefits from the DWP or HMRC, there’s a good chance your payment dates will change this Christmas and New Year. Here’s what you need to know to stay on top of your finances during the festive season.

The HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has already shared guidance on adjusted payment schedules, while the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is expected to confirm their plans closer to the holidays.

Both agencies typically follow the same schedule to ensure claimants receive payments when offices are open.

This is particularly important during the festive fortnight when office hours, telephone support, and online services may be unavailable. The adjustments aim to ensure claimants can contact advisors if needed.

This year, Christmas Day falls on a Wednesday and Boxing Day on a Thursday, which are both Bank Holidays across England, Scotland, , and Wales. New Year’s Day (January 1) is also a Bank Holiday across the UK, with January 2 is also recognized as one in Scotland.

HMRC Payment Changes

If you’re receiving Tax Credits, here are the confirmed adjusted dates:

• Payments due on Wednesday, December 25 → Paid on Tuesday, December 24
• Payments due on Thursday, December 26 → Paid on Tuesday, December 24
• Payments due on Friday, December 27 → Paid on Tuesday, December 24
• Payments due on Wednesday, January 1 → Paid on Tuesday, December 31

What About DWP Benefits?

The DWP has not yet released its updated schedule, but it’s widely expected to follow the same pattern as HMRC. This means payments that would typically be due on December 25, 26, or 27 will likely land in your account on December 24, while payments due on January 1 may arrive on December 31.

These changes could impact anyone receiving:

• Universal Credit
• State Pension
• Pension Credit
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Following the chancellor’s Budget announcement, it was confirmed that all benefits will be uprated by 1.7 per cent, matching the September CPI figure.

The increase, which takes effect from April 7 2025, will to all working-age benefits, including universal credit, PIP, DLA, attendance allowance, carer’s allowance, ESA and more.

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