Full list of Christmas benefits pay dates for DWP and HMRC
Christmas can be an expensive affair as many want to treat their loved ones or visit family and friends.
Many have been budgeting to try to be able to afford all the additional expenses this festive period on top of the daily necessities.
Christmas time can be particularly stressful for those relying on state benefits or a pension, and the ongoing cost of living crisis is not helping.
Some pensioners have reported not being able to afford the festivities this year, with some saying the government’s winter fuel allowance cut has made the situation worse.
But knowing when payments will be made might ease the anxiety a bit.
Here is a roundup of the upcoming Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HMRC payment dates.
When are benefits paid over Christmas?
With Christmas and New Year’s Eve falling in the middle of the week this year, many payments are likely to be made on the previous working day, according to iNews.
There are also differences between England and Scotland payment dates.
Attendance allowance
The allowance, which is paid to those with a long-term physical or mental condition or disability, is usually paid monthly.
When the payment is due on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day or Friday, December 27, recipients can expect the money on Christmas Eve, December 24.
In Scotland, the money will be paid on New Year’s Eve if the payment due date is January 2, according to the outlet.
Carers allowance
Next up is the carers allowance which is usually paid weekly in advance or every four weeks.
For payments due Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day or Friday 27 December, money should appear on the bank account on Christmas Eve. Allowance due on New Year’s Day should be paid on New Year’s Eve, December 31.
In Scotland, payments due January 2 should be made on New Year’s Eve.
Child benefit
Payments – usually done every four weeks or weekly depending on the situation – are generally made on a Monday or Tuesday.
For those with a payment due date on Tuesday, Christmas Eve, the payment is set to be made that day.
If the due date is Tuesday, New Year’s Eve, the payment date is that day (December 31).
Disability living allowance
Similar to the other benefits, the disability living allowance payment date is on Christmas Eve if the due date is either Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day or Friday 27 December this year.
Meanwhile, payments due on New Year’s Day (England) and January 2 (Scotland) will be made the day before on New Year’s Eve.
Employment and support allowance
This allowance is generally paid every two weeks.
Payments will be made on Christmas Eve if the due date is either Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day or Friday 27 December.
If the payment date is New Year’s Day (England) or January 2 (Scotland), it should be made on New Year’s Eve.
Income support
Income support is paid to individuals on low or no income who receive financial help but are not unemployed.
For payments due Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day or Friday 27 December, money should appear on the bank account on Christmas Eve.
If the due date is New Year’s Day, which is a bank holiday, or January 2 (Scotland), the payment should be made on New Year’s Eve.
Jobseeker’s allowance
Payments will be made on Christmas Eve if the due date is either Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day or Friday 27 December.
If the payment date is New Year’s Day or January 2 (Scotland), it should be made on New Year’s Eve.
Jobseekers allowance is typically paid fortnightly.
What about pension payment dates over Christmas?
State pension and pension credit payments are typically made every four weeks
For state pension, the exact date depends on your National Insurance number, according to iNews
The NI numbers and payment dates this week are:
- 00 to 19: Monday
- 20 to 39: Tuesday
- 40 to 59: Wednesday
- 60 to 79: Thursday
- 80 to 99: Friday
When a payment due date falls on a bank holiday, payments will be made on the previous working day.
Maternity allowance
Recipients are paid every two or four weeks.
Similar to other benefits, if the payment date is Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day or December 27, payments are made on Christmas Eve so that people don’t have to wait until after the bank holiday.
New Year’s Day payments and January 2 payments (Scotland) will be made on New Year’s Eve.
Personal independence payment (PIP)
The PIP is typically paid every four weeks.
For payments due Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day or Friday 27 December, money should appear on the bank account on Christmas Eve.
If the due date is New Year’s Day, which is a bank holiday, or January 2 (Scotland), the payment should be made on New Year’s Eve.
Tax credits including working tax credit
Tax credits, which are paid every four weeks or weekly by the HMRC, are paid on Christmas Eve if the due date is Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day this year.
However, in Northern Ireland, the payment will be made on Christmas Eve if the due date is Friday.
For payments due January 2, the payment date is New Year’s Eve.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is paid monthly and the payment dates this year a bit different to many other benefits.
Payments due on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day should be done on Christmas Eve, while payments with a due date on Friday, December 27, are made that day.
If the payment is due on New Year’s Day, it should be paid the previous day on New Year’s Eve.
Recipientsi in Scotland with a payment date on January 2 can expect it to be made on that day.
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