DWP payment dates changing for people claiming state pension, PIP and Universal Credit

6 days ago admin

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits such as Universal Credit and PIP will change for thousands of people later this month.

If you're due a benefit payment on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year's Day, then you'll be paid slightly earlier than normal. This is because benefit payments are typically are not sent on bank holidays. But if you do get paid earlier, you will have to make your money last longer as you'll have a longer wait until your next payment.

Have you had trouble receiving benefit payments? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk

Benefit payment dates for Christmas and New Year

If you're due a benefit payment on Wednesday, December 25, or Thursday, December 26, then you'll likely receive your money on the previous working day, which would be Tuesday, December 24. If you're due a benefit payment on Wednesday, January 1, then you should get paid on Tuesday, December 31.

If you're due to be paid on a different day, the money will be paid into your account as normal. You won't need to do anything different to receive your benefit payment. The amount you're due to be paid will also remain the same unless your personal circumstances have changed.

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When are benefits normally paid?

How often you get paid depends on what type of benefit you claim. For example, you’ll get paid Universal Credit on the same day each month, while Tax Credits are typically paid by HMRC every four weeks or weekly. Child Benefit is usually every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday – so you'd only be affected by one of the bank holiday days over Easter. See the full list of how often certain benefits are paid below:

Attendance Allowance – Usually every four weeks
Carer’s Allowance – Weekly in advance or every four weeks
Child Benefit – Usually every four weeks, or weekly if you’re a single parent or you or your partner get certain benefits
Disability Living Allowance – Usually every four weeks
Employment and Support Allowance – Usually every two weeks
Income Support – Usually every two weeks
Jobseeker’s Allowance – Usually every two weeks
Pension Credit – Usually every four weeks
Personal Independence Payment – Usually every four weeks
State Pension – Usually every four weeks
Tax credits – Every four weeks or weekly
Universal Credit – Every month

What if I don't get paid?

If you don't get your benefit payment when you expected to, first check double-check the date on your award notice and your bank account. If you've got the right date, and the money isn't there, you should contact the relevant helpline. Do keep in mind these are unlikely to be open on bank holidays.

Universal Credit: