When will benefits be paid this month? December 2021 payment dates over Christmas and New Year

The payment dates for some benefits will be earlier than usual over the Christmas period.

But which benefits are affected and when will they be paid?

Here’s what you need to know.

When will benefits be paid this month?

Some payments will be made earlier if they’re due between 27 December 2021 and 4 January 2022.

You will need to tell the office that pays your benefit if you do not get your payment on the day it’s scheduled.

Here’s when benefits will be paid over Christmas and New year.

If your benefits (including Universal Credit) are due on Monday 27 December, they will be paid on Friday 24 December.

If your benefits (including Universal Credit) are due on Tuesday 28 December, they will be paid on Friday 24 December.

If your Universal Credits are due on Wednesday 29 December they will be paid on Wednesday 29 December.

However, if any other benefits are due on  Wednesday 29 December they will be paid on Friday 24 December.

If your benefits (including Universal Credit) are due on Monday 3 January, they will be paid on Friday 31 December.

If your benefits (including Universal Credit) are due on Tuesday 4 January, they will be paid on Tuesday 4 January. If you live in Scotland, benefits not including Universal Credit will be paid on Friday 31 December instead.

What about tax credits?

There are different payment dates for tax credits.

Tax credits are made every week or every four weeks.

If it’s a bank holiday anywhere in the UK your payment may be early.

These are the payment dates over Christmas and New Year:

• 27 December payments will be paid on 24 December
• 28 December payments will be paid on 24 December
• 29 December payments will be paid on 24 December
• 3 January payments will be paid on 31 December
• 4 January payments will be paid on 31 December

How will my benefits be paid?

You’ll be asked for bank, building society or credit union account details when you claim.

You can only get paid in a different way if you have problems opening or managing an account.

If you cannot open or manage a bank, building society or credit union account you will need to contact the office that pays your benefit to find out how to get it paid.

If you receive Universal Credit, you can call the Universal Credit helpline.