As the festive season draws near, many benefit recipients in the UK are left wondering: Will my payment come on time during the Christmas period? It’s a reasonable concern. With bank holidays falling at the end of December and start of January, regular benefit and pension payment dates are affected, and thousands of people rely on these payments to cover essential expenses.
In December 2025, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a revised schedule for a number of benefit payments, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), State Pension, Universal Credit, and others. These changes are necessary due to the Christmas and New Year bank holidays when offices, helplines, and some banking services will be unavailable.
To avoid delays, the DWP, in alignment with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), is issuing early payments for those whose scheduled dates fall on affected days. But what does this mean for your specific payment? How early will it come, and what else should claimants know during the festive break?
Why Are DWP and HMRC Changing Benefit Payment Dates in December 2025?
The decision to alter payment dates stems from the impact of bank holidays, when government departments and financial institutions are closed.
This year, three public holidays fall within the final week of December and early January:
- Thursday, 25 December – Christmas Day
- Friday, 26 December – Boxing Day
- Thursday, 1 January – New Year’s Day
- Friday, 2 January – Bank holiday in Scotland
Because of these closures, the DWP and HMRC are proactively shifting affected payments to earlier dates, ensuring people receive their funds before the disruption begins. The aim is to prevent financial hardship over a period when access to government support may be limited.
This update covers a wide range of benefits beyond just PIP, such as:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
The shift offers claimants peace of mind that funds will be deposited in time to support essential holiday spending and obligations, even when normal services are paused.
What Are the Revised PIP and DWP Payment Dates for December 2025?
The DWP and HMRC have published clear guidance regarding adjusted payment schedules for various benefits. The revised dates depend on when your payment would normally be due.
Here’s how payments are changing:
Universal Credit
| Original Payment Date | Revised Payment Date |
| Wednesday, 24 December | Paid as normal |
| Thursday, 25 December | Wednesday, 24 December |
| Friday, 26 December | Wednesday, 24 December |
| Thursday, 1 January | Wednesday, 31 December |
| Friday, 2 January | Paid as normal |
State Pension and Other DWP Benefits (Including PIP, ESA, JSA, DLA, Attendance Allowance)
| Original Payment Date | Revised Payment Date |
| Wednesday, 24 December | Tuesday, 23 December |
| Thursday, 25 December | Tuesday, 23 December |
| Friday, 26 December | Tuesday, 23 December |
| Thursday, 1 January | Wednesday, 31 December |
If your regular payment falls on any of the above holiday dates, your funds will be issued earlier. However, if your scheduled payment is not affected by these holidays, you will receive it on your usual date.
It’s important to note that processing times vary between banks, so while the payment may be released by the DWP, actual receipt into your account may take additional time. Claimants are advised to check bank statements carefully and allow one working day before raising any concerns with the DWP.
Who Will Be Affected by These Payment Changes?
The revised schedule applies to a wide range of people across the UK. If your benefit or pension is due on one of the dates falling on a bank holiday, you will be affected by this change.
Most notably, the following groups should take note:
- PIP claimants expecting payments on or around Christmas or the New Year
- State Pension recipients with December or early January dates
- Universal Credit recipients whose pay day falls on Christmas Day or Boxing Day
- Individuals receiving ESA, JSA, Pension Credit, DLA, Carer’s Allowance, or Attendance Allowance
People in Scotland should also be aware of the 2 January bank holiday, which may affect local processing times.
Those who are not scheduled to receive payments on affected dates will continue to receive funds as normal. However, everyone is encouraged to double-check their payment details, especially if they’ve recently updated their bank account or changed address.
Is the DWP Still Offering the Christmas Bonus in 2025?
Yes, the DWP’s annual Christmas Bonus remains in place for 2025. This bonus is a £10 one-off, tax-free payment issued to eligible benefit claimants during the first full week of December.
It’s a small gesture intended to offer a bit of additional support during a financially demanding time of year. The bonus:
- Is paid automatically
- Does not need to be claimed
- Does not affect any other benefits
You may receive the bonus if you’re already receiving certain qualifying benefits during the qualifying week, including PIP, State Pension, DLA, and others. It appears as a separate payment in your bank statement.
While modest, this extra payment can contribute towards festive expenses or household essentials.
How Can Claimants Prepare for These Changes in Advance?
Being proactive is the best way to avoid stress or financial disruption during the holiday season. Since payment dates are being brought forward, it’s essential for claimants to:
- Review your expected payment date now using the revised schedules
- Check your bank account in the days leading up to Christmas
- Update your bank details with the DWP immediately if you’ve switched accounts
- Avoid relying on normal processing times, as delays may occur due to the volume of payments
Those awaiting new benefit applications or decisions should be aware that DWP processing times typically slow down in late December. Staffing levels are reduced, and postal delays can extend turnaround times. If you’re submitting new paperwork or claims, try to do so before mid-December if possible.
Are Child Benefit Payments Affected by the Festive Bank Holidays?
This year, Child Benefit payments will not be affected. The payment dates in December 2025 coincide with standard working days, so there is no change to the schedule.
This means that families receiving Child Benefit can expect their payments as usual, with no early disbursement required or issued.
This exception stands in contrast to other DWP-administered benefits and pensions, where adjustments have been confirmed. Nonetheless, recipients are advised to review their payment history and consult their benefit award letters if uncertain.
What Should You Do If Your Payment Is Missing or Delayed?
Despite the advanced scheduling, delays may still occur due to bank processing or technical issues. If your payment does not appear in your account:
- Wait at least one full working day before contacting the DWP
- Ensure that your bank details are correct
- Contact the relevant DWP department using the official helpline
For PIP-related enquiries, use the following contact details:
- Telephone: 0800 121 4433
- Textphone: 0800 121 4493
These lines may be busier than usual during the festive season, so plan ahead if you anticipate needing assistance.
How Can You Stay Informed About Further DWP Updates?
Staying updated is key to avoiding missed payments or misinformation. To keep informed:
- Visit the official GOV.UK website for real-time updates
- Sign up for DWP alerts via email or their digital services
- Follow reputable news sources that report on benefit changes and financial guidance
- Confirm any changes through your online benefits account or letters sent directly by the DWP
FAQs About DWP PIP December Payment Schedule Changes
Will I get paid early if my usual PIP payment is on Christmas Day?
Yes, you will be paid earlier on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, according to the latest DWP schedule.
Are these changes applicable throughout the UK?
Yes, but people in Scotland should also consider the additional 2 January bank holiday, which may affect processing there.
Do I need to apply for the £10 Christmas Bonus?
No. If you’re eligible, it will be issued automatically with no action required.
How do I know if I’m getting paid early?
Check your payment date. If it falls on a public holiday, your payment will be rescheduled to an earlier working day.
Can new claimants expect delays over the holiday season?
Yes, due to office closures and reduced staffing, new claims or decisions may take longer to process.
Is there emergency financial help if my payment is delayed?
Local councils and organisations like Citizens Advice may offer crisis support or emergency loans during the holidays.
Where can I get the latest updates on benefit payments?
The GOV.UK website provides the most accurate and up-to-date information on all DWP and HMRC payment schedules.
