DWP benefit payments including Universal Credit are expected to arrive early over Christmas 2025 due to bank holidays, with payments typically moved from 25 and 26 December to 24 December
05:00, 13 Dec 2025
People receiving their benefit payments can expect their funds to come through towards the end of December(Image: fotostorm via Getty Images)
As the festive season approaches, many benefit claimants may see changes to their usual payment dates due to the upcoming Christmas and New Year bank holidays.
While the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has not yet released its official timetable for the holiday period, it typically follows a certain pattern from previous years.
Those receiving personal independent payments (PIP), carer’s allowance, and several other benefits will still be eligible for the DWP’s Christmas bonus. However, it’s crucial to note that individuals on Universal Credit are not included.
This year, Christmas Day falls on a Thursday, with Boxing Day following on Friday. As benefit payments are not processed on bank holidays, anyone due a payment on either of those dates is likely to receive it on Wednesday, 24 December.
The same adjustment applies to New Year’s Day, which also falls on a Thursday. Payments scheduled for that date are expected to arrive on Wednesday, 31 December, reports Wales Online.
These changes are made annually to ensure claimants receive their support without delays over the holiday period.
If you receive your payment early, remember to budget carefully as the gap before your next payment will be slightly longer.
Below is everything you need to know about the payment schedule and what to do if there are any delays:
Do I qualify for a Christmas bonus?
Every year, the DWP issues a Christmas bonus to help those on benefits handle the additional costs that come with the festive season. Introduced in 1972 by Edward Heath’s Conservative government during a time of high inflation, the payment was designed to provide extra support at an expensive time of year.
The bonus is a one-off tax-free £10 payment automatically deposited into recipients’ accounts during the first full week of December and is available to anyone receiving one of the following 23 benefits:
- Adult disability payment.
- Armed forces independence payment.
- Attendance allowance.
- Carer’s allowance.
- Carer support payment.
- Child disability payment.
- Constant attendance allowance.
- Contribution-based employment and support allowance.
- Disability living allowance.
- Incapacity benefit (long-term rate).
- Industrial death benefit.
- Mobility supplement.
- Pension credit (the guarantee element).
- Personal independence payment.
- State pension (including graduated retirement benefit).
- Severe disablement allowance (transitionally protected).
- Unemployability supplement or allowance.
- War disablement pension at state pension age.
- War widow’s pension.
- Widowed mother’s allowance.
- Widowed parent’s allowance.
- Widow’s pension.
When are benefits usually paid?
The regularity of your payments is contingent on the type of benefit you’re claiming. For example, universal credit is disbursed on the same day each month, whereas tax credits are typically paid every four weeks or weekly.
Child benefit, on the other hand, is usually paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday.
Here’s a comprehensive list of how frequently certain benefits are paid:
- Attendance Allowance – Usually every four weeks
- Carer’s Allowance – Weekly in advance or every four weeks
- Child Benefit – Typically paid every four weeks, or weekly for single parents or those receiving certain benefits
- Disability Living Allowance – Generally paid every four weeks
- Employment and Support Allowance – Usually paid every two weeks
- Income Support – Typically paid every two weeks
- Jobseeker’s Allowance – Generally paid every two weeks
- Pension Credit – Usually paid every four weeks
- Personal Independence Payment – Typically paid every four weeks
- State Pension – Generally paid every four weeks
- Tax credits – Paid every four weeks or weekly
- Universal Credit – Paid monthly
What should I do if I don’t receive my payment?
If your benefit payment doesn’t arrive as expected, first verify the date on your award notice and check your bank account.
Most benefit payments are transmitted via the automated BACS payment system, which means they typically land in bank accounts between midnight and early morning.
Due to varying BACS processing times, you might receive your payment at a different time than someone else receiving the same benefit. Payments can arrive at any point before midnight on the day they’re due.
If the date is correct and the money hasn’t arrived, you could first check with your bank as the funds may not have cleared. If that’s not the case, it’s advisable to contact the relevant helpline.
Please note these may not be open on bank holidays.
Universal Credit
- Call for free: 0800 328 5644
- Welsh speaking: 0800 328 1744
- Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 328 5644
Personal independence payments (PIP)
- Call for free: 0800 121 4433
- Textphone: 0800 121 4493
- Relay UK: Dial 18001 then 0800 121 4433
Child Benefit
- Call for free: 0300 200 3100
- Outside UK: +44 161 210 3086
Tax Credits
- Call HMRC for free: 0345 300 3900
- From outside the UK: +44 2890 538 192
Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit and Employment and Support Allowance
- Call for free: 0800 169 0310
- Textphone: 0800 169 0314
- Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 169 0310
Carer’s Allowance
Pension Credit
Housing benefit
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