More than 12.4 million older people across the UK are currently receiving regular monthly payments through their State Pension, including 981,399 Scots.
State Pension is delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) every four weeks between Monday and Friday - there are no weekend payment dates - however, occasionally these change due to bank holidays such as the ones coming up next month for Christmas and New Year.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has already confirmed changes to Tax Credits and Child Benefits payments over the festive fortnight, but so far the DWP has only confirmed the £10 Christmas bonus payment, which will be paid to eligible claimants before December 25.
Bank holidays during the festive season can affect when many claimants receive their usual payment, however, although the DWP has yet to confirm if payment dates will be revised this Christmas and New Year, there’s a strong chance they will as December 25 and 26 fall on a Saturday and Sunday this year.
This means that Monday, December 27 and Tuesday, December 28 will be classed as Bank Holidays, similarly Monday, January 3 and Tuesday, January 4 (Scotland only) will also be classed as Bank Holidays.
The change in these payment dates could affect when people receiving State Pension will be paid.
If you're not sure when your State Pension is due, just check the last two digits of your National Insurance number.
Last two digits and payment days:
- 00 to 19 - paid on a Monday
- 20 to 39 - paid on a Tuesday
- 40 to 59 - paid on a Wednesday
- 60 to 79 - paid on a Thursday
- 80 to 99 - paid on a Friday
Possible DWP payment dates during Christmas and New Year
The DWP has not confirmed festive payment dates yet, but they are expected to follow HMRC revised guidelines.
DWP benefits that may be affected:
- State Pension
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Estimated payment dates
- 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
Payment due on Tuesday, January 4: No change
More information on Bank Holiday can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
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