As Christmas 2025 approaches, households across the UK are tightening their belts. With rising costs and the pressure of festive spending, many benefit recipients are counting on their December payments to arrive on time or even early. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HMRC have now confirmed adjusted payment dates over the Christmas and New Year period, giving millions some clarity during an otherwise unpredictable season.
Whether you’re on Universal Credit, Carer’s Allowance, or the State Pension, knowing exactly when your money is coming in could be the difference between a calm Christmas and a financial scramble.
Here’s a full, updated breakdown of when each benefit will be paid over the holidays — and how to prepare for the changes.
Why DWP Payment Dates Change Over Christmas
Every year, when benefit payment dates fall on bank holidays, the DWP and HMRC move them forward to the last working day before the holiday.
This year, the three relevant holidays are:
- Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25, 2025
- Boxing Day – Friday, December 26, 2025
- New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1, 2026
Because these fall midweek, millions of claimants will receive their money earlier than usual. That’s helpful in the short-term — but it also means your next payment could be further away than usual, so budget accordingly.
Full List of DWP & HMRC Christmas 2025 Payment Dates
Here’s when you’ll receive your benefits if your usual date falls during the Christmas or New Year bank holidays.
| Benefit | Usual Payment Date | Revised Payment Date | Scotland Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Dec 24–26 | Wed, Dec 24 | Same |
| Jan 1 | Wed, Dec 31 | Jan 2: Paid Jan 2 | |
| Attendance Allowance | Dec 24–26 | Tue, Dec 23 | Same |
| Jan 1 | Wed, Dec 31 | Jan 2: Wed, Dec 31 | |
| Carer’s Allowance | Dec 24–26 | Tue, Dec 23 | Jan 2: Wed, Dec 31 |
| Child Benefit | Dec 25 | Wed, Dec 24 | No change if due Mon/Tue |
| Disability Living Allowance (DLA) | Dec 24–26 | Tue, Dec 23 | Jan 2: Wed, Dec 31 |
| Employment Support Allowance (ESA) | Dec 24–26 | Tue, Dec 23 | Jan 2: Wed, Dec 31 |
| Income Support | Dec 24–26 | Tue, Dec 23 | Jan 2: Wed, Dec 31 |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) | Dec 24–26 | Tue, Dec 23 | Jan 2: Wed, Dec 31 |
| Maternity Allowance | Dec 24–26 | Tue, Dec 23 | Jan 2: Wed, Dec 31 |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Dec 24–26 | Tue, Dec 23 | Jan 2: Wed, Dec 31 |
| State Pension / Pension Credit | Dec 24–26 | Tue, Dec 23 or Wed, Dec 24 depending on NI number | Jan 2: Wed, Dec 31 |
When Is Your State Pension Paid?
State Pension is normally paid every four weeks on a specific weekday, which depends on the last two digits of your National Insurance (NI) number.
Here’s the standard schedule:
| NI Number Ending | Usual Payment Day |
|---|---|
| 00–19 | Monday |
| 20–39 | Tuesday |
| 40–59 | Wednesday |
| 60–79 | Thursday |
| 80–99 | Friday |
If your usual payment day lands on Christmas Day (Thursday) or Boxing Day (Friday), expect your payment on Wednesday, December 24. If it’s due on New Year’s Day (Thursday, Jan 1), you’ll get it on Wednesday, December 31.
Child Benefit: No Major Changes
Unlike most benefits, Child Benefit is usually paid on Mondays or Tuesdays — and since those dates are unaffected by the 2025 holidays, most recipients won’t see any changes.
However, if your payment falls on Thursday, December 25, it will instead arrive on Wednesday, December 24.
Scottish Exceptions: January 2 Holiday
Scotland observes an additional bank holiday on January 2, which isn’t recognized in England and Wales.
This affects some payment dates:
- If your benefit is due on Friday, January 2, and you’re in Scotland, you may still get your payment on January 2
- Some payments will be brought forward to December 31, especially if processed centrally by DWP
Keep an eye on your bank and any official texts or letters from DWP for confirmation.
Key Advice: Budgeting & Scams
Getting your benefits earlier can help, but it also means you’re going longer until the next one. Here are some tips to make it through January:
- Track your spending using budgeting apps or a notebook
- Prioritise essentials: food, rent, utilities
- Watch out for scams – there is no need to apply to receive your payments
- Never give your personal info to anyone claiming to “speed up” DWP payments
If your benefit hasn’t arrived by 1pm on the expected day, contact DWP or HMRC. But remember, phone lines are limited over the holidays.
- DWP contact line: 0800 328 5644
- HMRC Child Benefit helpline: 0300 200 3100
Final Thoughts
December is stressful enough without surprise payment delays. Luckily, the DWP’s holiday schedule for 2025 is clear: most benefits will be paid early, easing some pressure — as long as you plan accordingly.
Whether you’re relying on Universal Credit, State Pension, or Carer’s Allowance, make sure to note your revised date, budget wisely, and avoid any scam “payment services” trying to profit off the confusion.
This holiday season, a little preparation could go a long way. And while it may not fix the rising costs, it might just help make the season feel a bit more manageable.
FAQs
If your usual date falls on Dec 24–26, you’ll be paid on Wednesday, December 24. Payments due Jan 1 arrive on Wednesday, December 31.
Not all but most DWP-administered benefits that fall on bank holidays will be paid the working day before. Child Benefit is mostly unaffected.
Yes, if your scheduled date is Dec 25 or 26, expect your payment on Dec 24. Payments due Jan 1 will be issued on Dec 31.
Some do. Scotland observes Jan 2 as a bank holiday, so certain benefits due that day may arrive on Dec 31 instead.
Wait until midday on the expected date. If nothing’s arrived, contact DWP on 0800 328 5644 or HMRC for Child Benefit issues.
