The DWP has announced changes to benefit payment dates ahead of the Christmas and New Year bank holidays to ensure timely disbursements for millions of claimants. With adjustments impacting benefits like Universal Credit, State Pension, and PIP, recipients are urged to plan their budgets carefully for the holiday period.
DWP Announces Early Payment Dates for Upcoming Bank Holidays
By Lydia Amazouz
Published on 19 November 2024 09:45
The holiday season has prompted changes to payment schedules for millions of benefit and tax credit recipients across the UK. Adjustments announced by HMRC and Social Security Scotland ensure payments are received ahead of the Christmas and New Year bank holidays, with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) expected to follow suit. These changes are vital for avoiding disruptions, ensuring recipients have timely access to funds during a period of heightened financial demand.
Here’s everything claimants need to know about the revised schedules, affected benefits, and tips for financial planning during this time.
HMRC Confirms Revised Tax Credit Payment Dates
Tax credit recipients expecting payments in late December will see their funds deposited earlier to account for the Christmas and Boxing Day bank holidays. According to HMRC, the revised payment schedule is as follows:
- Payments originally due on Wednesday, December 25 will now be issued on Tuesday, December 24.
- Payments scheduled for Thursday, December 26 will also be processed on Tuesday, December 24.
- Payments that would typically arrive on Friday, December 27 will be advanced to Tuesday, December 24.
Claimants are advised to verify their bank accounts on December 24 to ensure funds are received as expected. HMRC has urged recipients to be cautious of scams during this period and to double-check any communication claiming to relate to payment schedules.
Social Security Scotland Adjusts Benefit Payments
Social Security Scotland has also announced changes to its benefit payment schedules, ensuring recipients receive their funds ahead of the festive closures. The adjusted payment dates for Scottish benefits mirror those of HMRC:
- Payments due on Wednesday, December 25, Thursday, December 26, or Friday, December 27 will all be made on Tuesday, December 24.
The following benefits are affected by these adjustments:
- Adult Disability Payment
- Carer Support Payment
- Child Disability Payment
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- Scottish Child Payment
It’s worth noting that payments for Best Start Foods are not subject to these changes and will continue to follow their regular schedule. Daily Record reported that Social Security Scotland highlighted the importance of these adjustments, especially for vulnerable individuals who rely heavily on benefits during the festive season.
Anticipated DWP Payment Adjustments
While the DWP has yet to officially announce its adjusted payment dates for December and January, it is widely anticipated that the department will follow a similar schedule to HMRC and Social Security Scotland. If confirmed, benefit payments due on December 25, 26, or 27 are expected to be brought forward to December 24.
The adjustments are likely to affect the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Recipients are encouraged to stay updated through official DWP communications and check their accounts on December 24 if they expect to receive payments during this period.