The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed when Britons can expect to be paid their benefits over the Christmas period. This year the festive period brings two Bank Holidays (on Thursday, December 25th and Friday December 26th), providing a welcome break for millions of UK workers.
However, it also means that the dates that people normally receive financial support from the Government may be changed slightly to ensure that people get the funds they need on time. Benefits are usually paid straight into your bank, building society or credit union account, though if your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday it’s usually deposited in your account on the working day before, the Government website explains.
It notes that this may be different for Child Benefit. You can find out how these payment dates are affected by upcoming Bank Holidays here.
In the coming weeks, benefits including Universal Credit will be made earlier if the normal pay date falls on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.
In these cases, it will usually instead arrive on Wednesday, December 24.
It applies to almost all qualifying DWP and HMRC benefits. However, some non UC benefits that would otherwise be paid on December 25 or 26 will be paid on Tuesday, December 23.
For payments due on Thursday, January 1, UC and some other benefits will usually be paid Wednesday, December 31. In Scotland, where Friday, January 2 is a Bank Holiday, payments that would normally fall on that day will also be paid on December 31.
You’ll still be paid the same amount even if the payment arrives slightly early.
Britons are advised to tell the office that pays your benefit if they don’t receive the payment on the day it’s scheduled.
You can find comprehensive information about individual benefits and payment dates on the Government website.