DWP benefit payment dates for Christmas and New Year | Personal Finance | Finance

The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that some Universal Credit payments due between December 25 and January 2 will be paid earlier to ensure recipients have financial support over the Christmas period. Payments due on Christmas Day will now be made on December 24, while those due on January 1 will be paid on December 31.

This follows previous announcements of revised payment dates for State Pension and other benefits, including Personal Independence Payment and Carer’s Allowance. HM Revenue and Customs has also rescheduled payments for Tax Credits and Child Benefit, reports the Daily Record.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP, said: “While a time of joy for many, the Christmas period can be overshadowed by financial worry for others, particularly for families on the lowest incomes.”

He added: “Our Plan for Change will deliver the long-term economic stability and growth needed to improve every family’s financial security by putting more money in their pockets while we take immediate action to support them with the cost of living.”

He further stated: “As well as bringing forward benefit payments to continue support over Christmas, our Household Support Fund can also provide extra help, and I encourage anyone struggling to get in touch with their local council to see if they are eligible.”

The schedule for Universal Credit and other benefits payments is as follows:

In a move that is designed to bolster household finances, the Household Support Fund received a £421 million boost in September, extending its reach until March 2025. Following the Budget announcement, an additional £1 billion has been set aside to further extend this crucial safety net until March 2026.

Moreover, during the Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the introduction of a new Fair Repayment Rate on benefit deductions, which will aid 700,000 of the poorest households with children on Universal Credit.

The UK Government’s latest move will see the amount deducted from a person’s benefit payments due to overpayment drop from 25 per cent to 15 per cent. This could mean savings of up to £420 for those required to repay.

The government says it is “committed to reviewing Universal Credit so people receive the support they need as swiftly as possible, as it progresses with wider work to fix the social security system, reduce poverty and put more money in people’s pockets, a key part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change”.