List of DWP benefits such as Universal Credit and PIP to be paid early this Christmas

A comprehensive list of benefits, including Universal Credit and PIP, will be paid early to thousands of individuals later this month. This is due to the upcoming bank holidays on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day.

If you're expecting a benefit payment on one of these days, it will arrive slightly earlier than usual as payments are typically not dispatched on bank holidays. However, if you receive your money earlier, you'll need to budget carefully as there will be a longer gap until your next payment.

Here's all the information you need, including how to lodge a complaint if your money doesn't arrive when expected.

For those expecting a benefit payment on Wednesday, December 25, or Thursday, December 26, you'll likely receive your money on the previous working day, Tuesday, December 24. If you're due a benefit payment on Wednesday, January 1, you should expect it on Tuesday, December 31, reports the Mirror.

If your payment is scheduled for a different day, it will be deposited into your account as usual. You won't need to do anything differently to receive your benefit payment.

The amount you're due to receive will remain the same unless there have been changes to your personal circumstances. So, when are benefits usually paid?

The frequency of your payments depends on the type of benefit you're claiming. For instance, Universal Credit is paid monthly on the same day, while Tax Credits are typically paid every four weeks or weekly by HMRC.

Child Benefit is usually paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday, and Carer's Allowance is normally paid on a Monday - so these benefits won't be affected by the Christmas or New Year bank holidays. However, the following benefits could be impacted by the upcoming bank holidays:

Attendance Allowance - Usually every four weeks

Disability Living Allowance - Usually every four weeks

Employment and Support Allowance - Usually every two weeks

Income Support - Usually every two weeks

Jobseeker's Allowance - Usually every two weeks

Pension Credit - Usually every four weeks

Personal Independence Payment - Usually every four weeks

State Pension - Usually every four weeks

Tax credits - Every four weeks or weekly

Universal Credit - Every month

If you believe you haven't been paid, first double-check your bank account. If the payment date is correct and the money isn't there, you should contact the relevant helpline.

But remember, these are unlikely to be open on bank holidays. The contact numbers for Universal Credit, Child Benefit, and Tax Credits are provided.

For Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit and Employment and Support Allowance, you can call for free on 0800 169 0310. If you require a textphone, the number is 0800 169 0314.

For those who cannot hear or speak on the phone, use Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 169 0310.