Millions of individuals are set to receive their benefit payments ahead of schedule this week from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Benefit programs such as Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, and the state pension may be affected based on recipients’ usual payment dates.
If your payment is due on Thursday, Christmas Day, or Boxing Day, you can expect to receive it earlier than usual on Christmas Eve, as DWP payments are not processed on bank holidays.
In the event of an early payment, recipients are advised to budget accordingly until their next scheduled payment. Payments due on Thursday, January 1, are likely to be issued on Wednesday, December 31 instead.
Should you not receive your benefit payment as expected, contact the relevant office online or by phone, or visit your local JobCentre upon reopening.
Please note that helplines will be closed on bank holidays, with services resuming the following business day.
Most benefits are administered by the DWP, while Tax Credits and Child Benefit are managed by HMRC. Child Benefit payments are typically made on Mondays and Tuesdays and should remain unaffected by holiday closures.
For a comprehensive list of common benefit payments and their regular payment schedules, refer to the information provided below.