If you’re one of the millions in the UK who rely on State Pension or DWP benefits, there’s one thing you don’t want to be caught off guard by this festive season: your payment dates changing over Christmas and New Year. With three major bank holidays lined up Christmas Day (Thursday), Boxing Day (Friday), and New Year’s Day (Thursday) the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially adjusted its payment schedule.
And here’s the thing: while your money will arrive earlier, that also means you’ll need to stretch it further to cover the festive period. So let’s get into the nuts and bolts of what’s changing — and who’s affected.
Christmas & New Year DWP Payment Dates (2025)
The golden rule? If your usual payment date lands on a bank holiday, you’ll receive your money on the working day before.
Here’s what that looks like this year:
| Original Payment Date | New Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Thursday, 25 December (Christmas Day) | Wednesday, 24 December |
| Friday, 26 December (Boxing Day) | Wednesday, 24 December |
| Thursday, 1 January 2026 (New Year’s Day) | Wednesday, 31 December 2025 |
Yes, that means double payments may hit accounts on December 24 and 31 for some — but keep in mind, this isn’t extra money. It’s your usual payment arriving earlier, so budget accordingly.
Which Benefits Are Affected?
The DWP confirmed the following payments will follow the adjusted schedule:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
These are some of the most widely claimed benefits in the UK — and if you’re one of the 24 million people receiving any of them, the shift applies to you.
State Pension Payment Schedule: Regular Days by NI Number
Even outside the holidays, State Pension payments follow a schedule based on your National Insurance number. Here’s a refresher:
| NI Number Ending | Usual Payment Day |
|---|---|
| 00 to 19 | Monday |
| 20 to 39 | Tuesday |
| 40 to 59 | Wednesday |
| 60 to 79 | Thursday |
| 80 to 99 | Friday |
So if your NI number ends in 67 (which means a Thursday payment), you’d usually get your pension on Christmas Day this year — but that gets moved to Wednesday, 24 December instead.
Child Benefit: No Changes This Year
Here’s a rare bit of good news: Child Benefit payments won’t be affected this Christmas.
Why? Because Child Benefit is only issued on Mondays and Tuesdays, and since Christmas falls on a Thursday, there’s no overlap this year. That means if you’re receiving Child Benefit, expect it as normal — unless HMRC notifies you otherwise.
Why Do These Changes Matter?
Here’s the catch: early payments may feel helpful, but they create longer gaps before the next one lands. If your benefit hits your account a few days early — and you’re caught in the usual holiday overspend — you might find yourself scraping through early January before the next payment arrives.
Planning is key. For many, December is already a financial high-wire act. Add in early payments, higher heating bills, and Christmas shopping pressures, and things get tight — fast.
What If Your Payment Doesn’t Arrive?
First off, don’t panic. Payments can hit accounts any time from midnight onward on the scheduled day — but if yours hasn’t landed by midday, it’s time to check in.
- DWP helpline: 0800 328 5644
(Lines may be busier over the holidays — call early, be patient)
Also, don’t forget to check bank alerts or pending payments — sometimes delays are on the bank’s side, not DWP’s.
DWP Benefit Offices & Jobcentres Over the Holidays
It’s worth remembering that most DWP offices, jobcentres, and support lines will be closed on the main bank holidays:
- Thursday, 25 December (Christmas Day)
- Friday, 26 December (Boxing Day)
- Thursday, 1 January (New Year’s Day)
So if you have any concerns about your payments, best to sort them before Christmas Eve.
How Often Are Payments Made?
Let’s quickly recap benefit payment cycles — just so you know what to expect moving forward:
| Benefit Type | Payment Frequency |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Monthly |
| State Pension | Every 4 weeks |
| ESA / JSA / Income Support | Usually every 2 weeks |
| PIP / DLA / Attendance Allowance | Every 4 weeks |
| Child Benefit | Every 4 weeks (or weekly if you qualify) |
Knowing your usual cycle can help you anticipate when the next payment is coming after the holiday period — especially important if you’re getting an early December payout.
Tips to Manage the Early Payment Stretch
If your money lands early, you might feel flush for a day — but come January, it could be a different story. Here are some quick budgeting reminders:
- List your essential bills first: rent, utilities, food
- Set aside what you’ll need to last into January
- Avoid last-minute splurging — December’s early payout can create a false sense of security
- Use free budgeting tools from Citizens Advice or MoneyHelper if you need help planning
Final Thoughts
The Christmas shift in DWP payments is nothing new, but it catches people off guard every single year. This time, with Christmas falling on a Thursday, payments are coming in a few days earlier than expected, and that can be a blessing or a budgeting trap — depending on how you handle it.
The most important takeaway? Plan ahead, and don’t assume things will be “business as usual.” With 24 million people depending on these payments, even a small change to the schedule can ripple into bigger financial stress if not managed wisely.
If your payment hasn’t landed when it should, call DWP as early as possible, and don’t wait until after the bank holidays, when support lines are overwhelmed.
Stay sharp, stay safe, and here’s to a smoother (and better budgeted) Christmas.
FAQs
When will DWP payments be made over Christmas 2025?
Payments due on Christmas Day and Boxing Day will be made on Wednesday, 24 December 2025. New Year’s Day payments will arrive on Wednesday, 31 December.
Are Child Benefit payments changing this year?
No. Since Child Benefit is paid only on Mondays and Tuesdays, and the holidays fall on Thursday and Friday, there’s no change to payment dates in 2025.
What if my benefit doesn’t arrive on the revised date?
Call the DWP at 0800 328 5644 as soon as possible. Lines may be busy, so call early in the day and avoid peak dates like December 24.
Will I receive extra money with the early payment?
No. It’s simply your usual benefit arriving earlier because of bank holidays not a bonus or extra payout.
Do the payment date changes affect all DWP benefits?
Most benefits are affected, including Universal Credit, PIP, ESA, State Pension, Carer’s Allowance, and more. The change doesn’t apply to Child Benefit.
