With Christmas fast approaching, millions of people are soon expecting their final benefits payments of the year to arrive into their bank accounts.
The festive season often brings financial stress as the pressure of buying gifts and food slowly mounts, and it can be a struggle for many individuals and families to make ends meet.
Read more: How to find out if you're eligible for £10 DWP Christmas 2021 bonus
For the 22.8 million people across the UK claiming some form of benefits, the arrival of that final payment is often what makes or breaks Christmas.
Because of the way both Christmas and New Year fall this year, there are a number of changes to payment dates for claimants. Here's all you need to know, from universal credit to disability payments, pensions and child benefit.
Universal Credit Christmas payment dates
- If you are due a payment on Monday, December 27, you will be paid on Friday, December 24 .
- If you are due a payment on Tuesday, December 28, you will be paid on Friday, December 24 .
- If you are due a payment on Wednesday, December 29, your payment date will not change.
- If you are due a payment on Monday, January 3, you will be paid on Friday, December 31 .
- If you are due a payment on Tuesday, January 4, your payment date will not change.
Estimated payment dates of other benefits including PIP, ESA and state pension
- Payment due on Monday, December 27: Payment will be made on Friday, December 24
- Payment due on Tuesday, December 28: Payment will be made on Friday, December 24
- Payment due on Monday, January 3: Payment will be made on Friday, December 31
Child benefits and tax credits payment dates may be slightly different, as they are handled by HMRC rather than by DWP.
Tax credits Christmas payment dates
- If you are due a payment on Monday, December 27, you will be paid on Friday, December 24.
- If you are due a payment on Tuesday, December 28, you will be paid on Friday, December 24 .
- If you are due a payment on Wednesday, December 29, you will be paid on Friday, December 24 .
- If you are due a payment on Monday, January 3, you will be paid on Friday, December 31 .
- If you are due a payment on Tuesday, January 4, you will be paid on Friday, December 31.
Child Benefit payment dates over Christmas and New Year
- If you are due a payment on Monday, December 27, you will be paid on Friday, December 24
- If you are due a payment on Tuesday, December 28, you will be paid on Friday, December 24
- If you are due a payment on Monday, January 3, you will be paid on Friday, December 31
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