UK: DWP announces Christmas, New Year payment dates for Universal Credit, PIP, others

The United Kingdom Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced changes to payment dates for Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and other benefits over the Christmas and New Year period. 

The adjustments are due to bank holidays and office closures during the festive season.

Universal Credit, usually paid monthly on the same date claimants first receive it, will be moved forward if the payment date falls on a weekend or bank holiday. 

Similarly, other benefits, including PIP, Carer’s Allowance, and State Pension, which are paid weekly, fortnightly, or four-weekly, will also be affected by the holiday schedule.

The DWP confirmed that all payments due between December 25 and January 2 will be processed earlier than usual to ensure recipients are not left waiting. 

However, the early payments may require careful budgeting as the funds will need to last longer until the next scheduled payment.

Tribune Online presents the updated payment details below:

• Payments due on Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) will be made as usual.
• Payments scheduled for Wednesday, December 25 (Christmas Day) and Thursday, December 26 (Boxing Day) will be credited a day earlier, on December 24.
• Payments set for Friday, December 27, except for Universal Credit, will also arrive on December 24. Universal Credit payments will be processed as usual on this date.
• Payments due on Saturday, December 28, and Sunday, December 29, will be made on December 27.
• Payments for Monday, December 30, will remain unaffected and be paid as scheduled.
• Payments due on Wednesday, January 1 (New Year’s Day) will be paid on December 31, the day prior.
• In Scotland, benefits and State Pension payments due on Thursday, January 2, will also be credited on December 31, although Universal Credit payments will remain unaffected.

The DWP urges all claimants to take note of the adjusted dates and plan accordingly to manage their finances over the festive period.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE