The Department of Work and Pensions has updated the payment dates for this Christmas and the New Year. DWP benefit recipients with a payment schedule on Christmas or New Year can check the new payment date here with other information.
2025 is approaching its end, and we will be entering the festive season that comes with bank holidays, so DWP will be sending the payment earlier to ensure the recipients do not have any delay in benefit payments.
If your DWP or any credit payment date falls on Christmas Day or New Year, you should be prepared for the early payment and manage your finances accordingly. According to the updated payment dates, you can expect the change to payment dates if it falls between December 24, 2025, and January 2, 2026.
What are the benefits affected due to the Christmas & New Year payment date change?
Before you learn about the new payment dates for Christmas and the New Year, due to bank holidays in this festive season, you should learn what benefits will be affected:
- State Pension
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living AllowanceÂ
- Carer’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Employment Support Allowance.Â
The Child Benefit will not be affected by the coming bank holidays, as its payment dates do not fall on bank holidays because Child Benefit payment is processed on Monday or Tuesday.
What are the new Christmas and New Year payment dates?
Benefit recipients usually receive their payment into bank accounts or building society accounts; hence, bank holidays will affect your payment dates. According to DWP, the State pension and other benefit payments fall on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
England, Wales, and Scotland will have a bank holiday on 25 December, 26 December, and 01 January 2026, whereas Scotland will also have the bank holiday on 02 January 2026. So, if you receive any of the listed benefits and its payment date falls on the respective bank holiday, you can check your new payment date here:
| Payment Due | Universal Credit New Payment Date | Other Benefits Payment Date except UC) |
| 24 December 2025 | 24 December 2025 | 23 December 2025 |
| 25 December 2025 | 24 December 2025 | 23 December 2025 |
| 26 December 2025 | 24 December 2025 | 23 December 2025 |
| 01 January 2026 | 31 December 2025 | 31 December 2025 |
| 02 January 2026 (Scotland) | 02 January 2026 | 31 December 2025 |
What should you do with the new DWP Christmas & New Year payments date?
With the new DWP Christmas and New Year payment dates confirmed, the recipients should cross-check the following points:
- You should check your DWP benefit payment dates for December 2025 and ensure your bank and building society account is active and valid.Â
- You should make your budget for the festive season coming up to ensure you can manage with the early benefit payment till you receive the next payment, as the festive season can come up with extra expenses, so if you depend on benefits, spend wisely.Â
- With the Winter season, the DWP also offers Winter Fuel payment, Cold payment, and all for providing additional assistance with the increased heating costs. So, be aware and check if you qualify for any such payments.Â
What to do if you missed your DWP Payment?
The DWP has confirmed and updated the new payment date for Christmas and the New Year officially. However, if you missed a payment on the scheduled dates, you should reach out to the DWP office immediately through the following means:
- For Universal Credit claimants, 0800 328 5644;
- For Carer’s Allowance claimant: 0345 608 4321;
- For Pension Credit claimant: 0800 99 1234;
- For a Housing Benefit claimant: call at local council
- For PIP claimants: 0800 121 4433
- For income support, ESA, and JSA, contact the Jobcenter Plus.Â
The DWP benefit payments for Christmas and New Year have been changed due to bank holidays. The department changed the dates to ensure the recipients receive their payment without any issue, and if they call the department, the advisor can be there to help them. So, claimants, if your benefit payment date is between 24 December 2025 to 02 January 2026, mark the new dates.
Disclaimer: DWP holiday payment date updates are for general awareness only. Official dates and eligibility are confirmed by the DWP.