DWP Christmas payment dates 2025: The days when Universal Credit and other benefits will be paid over Christmas
The government has revealed when benefits will be paid over Christmas, as the usual schedule is disrupted by bank holidays.
Benefits are usually paid straight into bank, building society or credit union accounts, and if the due date falls on a weekend or a bank holiday it will usually be paid early.
This year, any Universal Credit benefits due on Christmas Eve (Wednesday) will still be paid on that day but other benefits will arrive on Tuesday, December 23.
For benefits that would usually be paid on the 25th of the month, Universal Credit will be paid on Christmas Eve while others will be paid on Tuesday, December 23.
The same is true for benefits scheduled for December 26 - UC will be paid on Wednesday while the rest will be paid on Tuesday, December 23.
People who usually receive benefits on the first of the month will be paid on New Year’s Eve instead of New Year’s Day.
Friday, January 2 is only a bank holiday in Scotland - any benefits due on the 2nd will be paid to Scots on Wednesday, December 31.
Which benefits are affected?
Most regular benefits and tax credits are covered. From the DWP, this includes:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State Pension
- Universal Credit
From HMRC, the same approach applies to:
- Child Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Guardian’s Allowance
- Working Tax Credit
If you receive one of these payments, the festive bank holidays will mean a change to your usual date.