Christmas can be a financially stressful period for many, as pressure mounts to purchase gifts and food for the holiday season. But for those struggling, financial strain only increases during this time.
Knowing when benefits will be paid can help manage this stress slightly, and due to there being a number of bank holidays over the coming weeks, payment dates are subject to change.
So here is everything you need to know about upcoming payment dates from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
When will benefits be paid this Christmas?
If your payment date falls on a weekend of bank holiday, you can expect to be paid on the working day before. Benefits are usually paid straight into the claimant’s bank, building society, or credit union.
Most benefits this year are following the same ‘rule’ when it comes to payments.
The guidance remains the same if you receive any of the following: Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Child Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Maternity Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Tax Credits.
Those who are due to receive payments on Christmas Day and Boxing Day will instead be paid on Christmas Eve – Tuesday, December 24.
Additionally, payments due on New Year’s Day will be paid on New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, December 31.
The same changes apply to those who receive Universal Credit with one exception. Those who are due Universal Credit on December 27, will also receive their payment on Christmas Eve, but this does not apply to any other benefits due to be paid that day.
When will pensions be paid this Christmas?
The day of State Pension payment depends on a claimant’s National Insurance number.
National Insurance numbers correspond with payment in the following way:
- 00 to 19: Monday
- 20 to 39: Tuesday
- 40 to 59: Wednesday
- 60 to 79: Thursday
- 80 to 99: Friday
Similarly to benefits, any pensions due to be paid on Christmas Day or Boxing Day will instead be paid on Christmas Eve.
Pensions expected to be paid on New Year’s Day will instead be paid on New Year’s Eve.
The same guidance applies for Pension Credit also.