Thousands of people across the UK who receive Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits will see their payments arrive a day early this week as a result of the New Year's Day bank holiday.
New Year Payment Schedule Change
The DWP has confirmed that anyone whose regular payment date falls on Tuesday, January 1, 2025, will instead receive their money on Monday, December 31, 2024. This follows a similar adjustment made over the Christmas period, where payments due on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, December 27, or December 28 were issued on Christmas Eve.
This administrative shift is a standard practice to ensure that claimants are not left financially disadvantaged when a scheduled payment date coincides with a public holiday, when banks are closed.
Which Benefits Are Affected?
A wide range of DWP and HMRC benefits are included in this early payment schedule. The list encompasses both weekly and four-weekly payment cycles.
The benefits affected include:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension (both new and basic rates)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer's Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Maternity Allowance
- HMRC Child Benefit (usually paid every 4 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday)
It is important to note that Child Benefit can be paid weekly under specific circumstances, such as if the recipient is a single parent or if they or their partner receive certain other benefits like Income Support.
Support During the Festive Period
Labour MP Sir Stephen Timms acknowledged the financial pressures that can accompany the festive season for many families. He stated, “While a time of joy for many, the Christmas period can be overshadowed by financial worry for others, particularly for families on the lowest incomes.”
He highlighted his party's focus on long-term economic stability to improve financial security, adding that immediate action on the cost of living is crucial.
The DWP also pointed to additional support mechanisms available. A spokesperson urged, “As well as bringing forward benefit payments to continue support over Christmas, our Household Support Fund can also provide extra help, and I encourage anyone struggling to get in touch with their local council to see if they are eligible.”
This fund is designed to provide targeted assistance to vulnerable households facing acute financial hardship, particularly with essential costs like food and energy.
Beneficiaries are advised to check their bank accounts as expected on December 31 and to plan their budgets accordingly, noting that the early payment will need to cover the extended period until their next scheduled payment date.
