Overview
- Universal Credit due on 25–26 December will be paid on 24 December, and payments due on 1 January will be paid on 31 December, with no change for 24 December or for 2 January in Scotland.
- State Pension and most other DWP benefits falling on 24–26 December move to 23 December, while payments due on 1 January move to 31 December and those due on 2 January in Scotland also move to 31 December.
- HMRC says Child Benefit dates are unchanged over Christmas and New Year, with the sole exception of Scotland where payments due on Monday 5 January move to Tuesday 6 January.
- Social Security Scotland brings devolved benefits forward in line with the pattern, moving 25–26 December payments to 23 December and 1–2 January payments to 31 December, with Best Start Foods unaffected.
- The government’s £10 Christmas Bonus is being paid automatically throughout December to eligible claimants, may appear as 'DWP XB' on statements, and those not paid by 1 January are advised to contact the relevant office.