DWP benefits changing in December for pension credit, PIP and Universal Credit

The festive season could potentially cause chaos for benefit recipients as some DWP payments will be affected by the bank holidays next month. This means that while most people will receive their cash slightly earlier than expected, they will also have to make it last a bit longer until normal payments resume in January.

Benefit payments due on bank holidays will instead be paid on the first working day before. So, any payments due on December 25 and 26 will be made on December 24.

Also, if your benefit payment is due on January 1, you will receive it on December 31 due to New Year's Day. Benefit recipients can check their payment dates on the official government website.

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Claimants in Northern Ireland will also see some changes. Those expecting Tax Credit payments on December 27 will receive them on December 24, and those due Child Benefit on December 31 will get the money on December 30.

These changes will affect the vast majority of benefits, including:

• State pension

• Universal Credit

• Pension credit

• Personal independence payment

• Child benefit

• Disability living allowance

• Attendance allowance

• Carer’s allowance

• Employment support allowance

• Income support

• Jobseeker’s allowance

• Tax Credits

Benefit payments will return to their usual dates in January, meaning those who receive it a day or two early in December will need to ensure their cash stretches a little further during the most expensive season, reports Lancs Live.

The update comes shortly after the Chancellor of the Exchequer confirmed benefit increases for next year.

The hikes are set to come into play from April 7, 2025, with the state pension seeing a 4.1% increase due to the Triple Lock mechanism. Other benefits including PIP, DLA and carer's allowance are expected to rise in line with September's inflation rates, which were recorded at 1.7%.

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