Thousands of State Pension and benefit claimants are being urged to check their payment schedules after the DWP confirmed changes to December 2025 payment dates. With Christmas and New Year bank holidays causing service closures, the Department for Work and Pensions and HMRC have brought forward payments for millions of people to ensure no one is left short during the festive season.
Whether you’re receiving Universal Credit, PIP, ESA, or a State Pension, here’s everything you need to know about when your money will arrive, and how to avoid delays.
Why December Payment Dates Are Changing
Every year, when Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day fall on weekdays, DWP and HMRC services shut down temporarily. This means payments due on those days can’t be processed as usual.
This year, the affected dates are:
- Thursday 25 December (Christmas Day)
- Friday 26 December (Boxing Day)
- Thursday 1 January (New Year’s Day)
- Friday 2 January (Scotland only)
To avoid disruption, the DWP is making early payments, ensuring all claimants receive their money before offices close.
Revised Universal Credit Payment Dates – December 2025
| Original Payment Due | Revised Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 24 December | Paid as normal |
| Thursday 25 December | Paid on Wednesday 24 December |
| Friday 26 December | Paid on Wednesday 24 December |
| Thursday 1 January | Paid on Wednesday 31 December |
| Friday 2 January | Paid as normal (except in Scotland) |
For most people on Universal Credit, the key thing to note is that payments scheduled on bank holidays will be paid early. This ensures money lands before Christmas and New Year, giving households time to budget for the break.
Revised Payment Dates for State Pension and Other DWP Benefits
The following changes apply to State Pension and most other DWP benefits, including:
- Carer’s Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit
| Original Payment Due | Revised Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 24 December | Paid on Tuesday 23 December |
| Thursday 25 December | Paid on Tuesday 23 December |
| Friday 26 December | Paid on Tuesday 23 December |
| Thursday 1 January | Paid on Wednesday 31 December |
If you usually receive your benefits on any of the Christmas bank holidays, you can expect to be paid at least one day earlier, depending on your benefit type.
What About Child Benefit?
Unlike other support payments, Child Benefit remains unaffected this year. Since Christmas and Boxing Day fall on Thursday and Friday, the normal processing schedule still applies, and no early payment adjustments are necessary.
However, always double-check your bank account two working days before your usual payment date just in case of any changes.
Do You Need to Do Anything?
In most cases, no action is required. The DWP will automatically adjust your payment schedule, and the funds will land in your account using your usual payment method.
But you should double-check the following:
- Are your bank details up to date?
If you’ve recently changed bank accounts or moved home, update your info with the DWP ASAP. - Are you expecting a payment near a holiday?
Look at your last award letter or online Universal Credit journal to see when your next payment is due. - Have you recently switched or ended benefits?
If your claim status changed close to the qualifying dates, you may need to contact the DWP to confirm whether your payment is affected.
Tips to Avoid Payment Disruption Over Christmas
- Log in to your benefits account early to check your next payment date
- Set up SMS or email alerts from your bank to confirm incoming payments
- Make sure your contact details are correct with the DWP
- Avoid relying on payments for the exact date — build in a small buffer if possible
- Be wary of scams pretending to offer “early access” to DWP payments (the DWP will never text asking for personal info)
What If Your Payment Doesn’t Arrive?
If your money hasn’t landed by the revised date, don’t panic—but act quickly:
- Check your bank account for DWP- or HMRC-labelled payments
- Wait until the end of the revised payment window before calling—delays may occur due to bank processing
- Contact the DWP or HMRC helpline with your National Insurance number ready
Tip: Most DWP helplines are closed on bank holidays, so if you’re chasing a late payment, do it before Christmas Eve or after 2 January.
Why These Changes Matter
A delayed benefit payment in December can have a serious impact. The festive season often means:
- Higher heating and energy bills
- Increased food expenses
- Extra childcare or travel costs
- Prescription or health-related expenses
Even a delay of 24–48 hours can be enough to trigger overdrafts, missed rent, or bounced bills.
By moving payments before the holidays, the DWP aims to give people the financial breathing space they need to get through the season safely.
Scottish Claimants: A Quick Note
Friday, 2 January 2026 is a bank holiday in Scotland only, so if you live in Scotland and your usual payment falls on this date, your payment will still arrive early or on time, depending on your benefit.
Make sure your address details are up to date so that regional payment calendars apply correctly.
Final Thoughts
The DWP and HMRC’s updated payment schedule for December 2025 is a practical and welcome move. By issuing benefits and pensions early, the government is helping millions of people navigate one of the most expensive and stressful times of year with more certainty and less risk of disruption.
If you’re on State Pension, Universal Credit, or any other DWP benefit, make sure to note your revised payment dates, check your bank info, and keep an eye on your account starting from 23 December onwards.
Because while the holidays are a time to relax, money stress has a way of cutting through the tinsel.
FAQs
Yes, if your payment is due on 25, 26 December or 1 January, you’ll receive it earlier. Check your specific benefit’s adjusted date.
No. Payments are adjusted automatically. You don’t need to apply or contact DWP unless there’s a problem.
Wait until the revised payment date passes, then check your account. If it’s still missing, contact DWP with your NI number.
No changes have been announced. Child Benefit will be paid on the usual dates, as they do not fall on bank holidays this year.
No. This is just a scheduling adjustment. Your amount stays exactly the same.
