The festive season can often bring financial stress for many, with the pressure to buy gifts and food for the holiday period. For those already struggling, this strain can intensify. Understanding when benefits will be paid can help alleviate some of this stress, especially as payment dates may change due to the upcoming bank holidays. Here's what you need to know about the forthcoming payment dates from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
If your payment date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, you'll typically receive it on the preceding working day. Benefits are usually paid directly to the claimant's bank, building society, or credit union account. Most benefits this year are following the same 'rule' for payments. This guidance applies if you receive any of the following: Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Child Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Maternity Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Tax Credits.
Those due to receive payments on Christmas Day and Boxing Day will instead be paid on Christmas Eve - Tuesday, December 24. Similarly, payments due on New Year's Day will be paid on New Year's Eve, Tuesday, December 31, reports Bristol Live. The same alterations apply to those who receive Universal Credit, with one exception. Those due to receive Universal Credit on December 27 will instead receive their payment on Christmas Eve. This does not apply to any other benefits scheduled for payment on December 27.
The question arises: when will pensions be paid this Christmas? The date of State Pension payment is dependent on the claimant's National Insurance number. National Insurance numbers correspond with payment schedules similarly to benefits. Any pensions due to be paid on Christmas Day or Boxing Day will instead be paid on Christmas Eve, and pensions expected to be paid on New Year's Day will also be paid on New Year's Eve.
UK state pensioners are set to receive an £884 cash boost from the DWP before Christmas. The government department has confirmed benefits, including State Pensions, will be paid early over the festive and New Year period due to bank holidays on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. The DWP stated this will help claimants receive the financial support they need over the holiday.
The full new State Pension rate is currently £221.20 per week and is typically paid by the DWP every four weeks. With four full weeks in December, pensioners will receive £884.80 this month, which will arrive in their bank accounts early. For those receiving the full basic State Pension, also paid at a rate of £169.50 per week, the total for December amounts to £678.
The DWP has confirmed those due to receive their State Pension payment between December 25, 2024, and January 2, 2025, will receive their payments earlier on the following dates:
- If your payment is due on Wednesday, December 25, you'll instead be paid on Tuesday, December 24.
- If your payment is due on Thursday, December 26, you'll instead be paid on Tuesday, December 24.
- If your payment is due on Friday, December 27, you'll instead be paid on Tuesday, December 24, reports the Express.
- If your payment is due on Wednesday, January 1, you'll instead be paid on Tuesday, December 31.
- If your payment is due on Thursday, January 2, it will instead be paid on Tuesday, December 31.
Households are being warned these earlier payment dates may affect their budgeting for the following month, as they will need to stretch their money until the next payment arrives in January. Fortunately, there's no need for action if your payment date is changing this month. The funds will be directly deposited as scheduled.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, emphasized, "While this can be a time of joy for many, the Christmas season can also bring financial worries for others, particularly families with low incomes." He added, "Our Plan for Change aims to deliver long-term economic stability and growth needed to improve each family's financial security by putting more money in their pockets, alongside immediate actions supporting them with the cost of living."
He concluded, "Alongside early benefit payments to aid support through Christmas, our Household Support Fund can also provide extra help. I encourage anyone struggling to reach out to their local council to see if they are eligible."
The DWP also reminded those receiving benefits from them or HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) about possible payment changes during the festive period. The reminder confirms benefit payments may be brought forward if the payment date falls on bank holidays, ensuring financial stability for recipients during this period.
While each type of benefit has different payment schedules, recipients are assured their payment date will return to normal following the bank holiday. It's important for those receiving benefits to communicate with their offices if they do not receive their payments on the expected date.
