The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed changes to benefit and State Pension payment dates for the 2025 festive period. If you’re receiving any kind of support, it’s worth double-checking when your money will arrive—especially as early payments could mean stretching your budget further.
As usual, when a payment date falls on a bank holiday, the DWP pays it on the last working day before. That means people due money on Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25), Boxing Day (Friday, December 26), or New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1) will receive it earlier.
Let’s break down what’s changing, who’s affected, and when you can expect your money.
Table of Contents
Changes
Here’s how benefit payments will be adjusted this Christmas:
| Due Date | New Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Thursday, Dec 25 (Christmas Day) | Wednesday, Dec 24 |
| Friday, Dec 26 (Boxing Day) | Wednesday, Dec 24 |
| Thursday, Jan 1 (New Year’s Day) | Wednesday, Dec 31 |
This means that any DWP benefits or State Pension payments scheduled for these public holidays will be paid early. While this is helpful for holiday planning, it also means your next payment might be further away than usual—so careful budgeting will be important.
Affected Benefits
The DWP has confirmed that the following benefits may be impacted by these date changes:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
These payments are usually made directly into your bank account, and you’ll be paid earlier only if your normal payment falls on a bank holiday.
State Pension Dates
The basic State Pension is paid every four weeks, and your payment day is based on the last two digits of your National Insurance number. Here’s a quick refresher:
| NI Number Ends In | Usual Payment Day |
|---|---|
| 00 to 19 | Monday |
| 20 to 39 | Tuesday |
| 40 to 59 | Wednesday |
| 60 to 79 | Thursday |
| 80 to 99 | Friday |
So, if your payment would normally fall on Thursday, December 25, or Friday, December 26, it will be paid on Wednesday, December 24 instead. Likewise, if it’s due on Thursday, January 1, you’ll receive it on December 31.
Child Benefit
There will be no changes to Child Benefit payments this year, since they’re typically made on Mondays and Tuesdays. With Christmas Day falling on a Thursday and Boxing Day on a Friday, those payments won’t be affected.
What to Do If You Don’t Get Paid
If your payment is delayed or doesn’t arrive as expected, contact the DWP as soon as possible. You can reach the relevant department by calling 0800 328 5644. Be prepared to give your National Insurance number and details about your benefit claim.
It’s best to check your payment history via your online DWP account or banking app first, just in case the funds have already arrived.
FAQs
When will December 25 DWP payments be made?
They will be paid early, on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.
Will Child Benefit be affected this Christmas?
No, Child Benefit payments will go out as normal.
When is New Year’s Day payment arriving?
Payments due on Jan 1 will be made on Dec 31 instead.
What number do I call for payment issues?
Call the DWP on 0800 328 5644 for help.
Are all benefits affected by date changes?
Only those falling on holidays—others remain unchanged.
