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.
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Anyone who receives Benefits of any kind, should get extra financial help,to get them through the winter months, towards their heating/energy costs, and for food/Christmas bills! The amount people get is inadequate for most people, and barely covers the basic essentials, especially in these difficult times!!!
I can get now help with my gas and electricity I ask lot of people now will help I cold all the time I very poorly and disabled
I was wondering what date it is when we get this cost of living payment and the warm home discount because I need this because I’ve had my gas capped of I suffer with mental health problems and and I’ve also got 2 children under 16 surely this his against the law
That is really good that helps lots of people so they have money in there pockets
They’ll keep giving money to the rich,while we’ve got begging bowls out for any scraps the DWP, can give. We the people should at least know where the he’ll it’s going. People are dying from hunger around the world. Well start here, people are dying of hunger in Great Britain 🇬🇧 I couldn’t care less what goes on In there countries! I’m for 1nce ashamed of the fact I’m British.
I think the housing support fund should not be given to local councils as people on low incomes who do not take recreational substances are not recieving any hardship funding like myself I’m sat here with no gas and still get refused any help.this funding is not helping people who really can’t afford heating in this coldest days
This is terrible,I’m disabled with two teenage children and I don’t get paid until the 28th of December,Ile look forward to a nice Christmas dinner on the 28th .
I am 69 & still having to work & do not get any benefits only my old age pension as I have a small amount of savings.
I know of a lot of people on benefits who could work but don’t So to say everyone on benefits should get more !!!
I have worked since the age of 14 some have never done a day’s work in their life but still get hand outs.
We should be like other European countries if you dont pay in you get nothing out.
All these new illnesses that are around now people can claim for it’s a joke.
A job would help a lot of people’s mental health instead of sitting at home all day doing nothing
I am 66 a pensioner living in a retirement home and I like many have to choose between eating or heating this winter.I paid into the system for 45 years and made sure I had a pension for when I retired,because I done this I am now being penalised by this shameful Labour Party who totally disrespect pensioners and take there Winter Fuel allowance away for a pitiful saving of 1and a half billion pounds.If they stopped giving money away abroad and giving the migrants,and lazy useless benefits people money you wouldn’t have to pick on the pensioners who are having difficulty in making ends meet. Miss Reeves you are the most callious cold hearted Chancellor Britain has had.You don’t have a clue how to do your job.Lets hope you and your party get kicked out soon before anymore damage is done.