The DWP recipients can expect the early payment due to the bank holiday. If you are wondering about the change in payment date, you can check the full details from the payment date to the benefits here.
The Department for Work and Pensions offers many benefits to millions of UK residents every month based on the respective benefit payment rules. The payment date for most of the benefits is not the same for everyone, as it is not fixed.
The DWP recipients whose payment date for the benefits falls on 25 December or 26 December 2025 will experience the change. The early payment is great news, but you should also manage your expenses in a way that the payment can last till the next payment.
When can you expect your early DWP payment in December 2025?
People who are receiving DWP and HMRC benefits and are anticipating their payment for the coming holidays would see their payment early. The next public holiday for UK residents will be observed on 25 December (Christmas) and 26 December (Boxing Day).
According to the DWP rules, if the payment dates fall on a public holiday or a weekend, the payout will be processed earlier on the nearest business day. The DWP has not confirmed the changed payment date, but based on the payment rules, the recipients can expect the payout on the following date:
- 24 December 2025 (Thursday).
Apart from the recipients who will receive their payment on 01 January 2026, they can expect their payout earlier on 31 December 2025 due to the New Year’s public holiday. The date change is a yearly event to ensure the benefit payment is not affected due to a public holiday.
How many benefits will be covered under the early payment?
No DWP benefit payment dates fall on 25 December or 26 December specifically, as most of the payments depend on your last payment or when you received your first payment when your benefit payment was approved. For instance, your PIP payments are processed every four weeks, so not every recipient will receive the payment on 25 December.
If you are wondering which benefits payment date will be affected by the early payment, you can check the DWP benefits below:
- Carer’s Allowance: Paid every four weeks or in advance;
- Child Benefit: Paid every four weeks or weekly.
- Attendance Allowance: Paid every four weeks.
- Disability Living Allowance: Paid every four weeks
- Income support: Paid every two weeks
- Personal Independence Payment: Paid every four weeks
- Employment and Support Allowance: Paid every two weeks
- Jobseeker’s allowance: Paid every two weeks
- Pension Credit: paid every four weeks
- State Pension: Paid every four weeks
- Tax credits: Paid every four weeks or weekly
- Universal Credit: Paid every month
What should you do if you do not receive your payment earlier?
The DWP usually processes the benefit payout on the scheduled date as per the payment rules; however, if by any chance you do not receive the payout on the scheduled date, you should take the following action:
- You should reach out to the DWP helpline as per the benefit on the following numbers:
- State Pension: 0800 731 7898
- Pension Credit: 0800 991 234
- Jobseekers allowance, Income Support, ESA: 0800 055 6688
- PIP: 0800 917 2222
- Child Benefit: 0300 200 3100
- Tax Credits: 0345 300 3900
- The helpline number for people living outside is different, as well as if you have a hearing impairment.
- You can also visit the local Jobcentre Plus or DWP office to inquire about your missing payment.
What do the early December 2025 payments imply for the recipients?
The DWP payments to be delivered on Christmas and Boxing Day will be processed early, so if you are a recipient who will experience the change in the payment date should be prepared for the following:
- You should make a budget to manage your expenses during the festival and ensure you have enough till you receive the next payment, as it will be delivered on the usual schedule.
- You should ensure that your bank account, building society account, or credit account is active and valid to receive the payment on time.
- The government is also offering many other benefits during winter and Christmas, so you should also check if you are eligible and receiving such benefits, such as Christmas Bonus, Winter Fuel Payment, etc.
The DWP is committed to processing the benefit payout early if the scheduled payout date falls on a public holiday or a weekend. So, do check if your DWP benefit is falling on the Christmas and Boxing Day holiday and expect the early payment.
Disclaimer: DWP December 2025 payment details are for general awareness only. Confirm dates and eligibility with the DWP.
