DWP confirms Christmas and New Year pay dates for State Pension and benefits

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed changes to State Pensions and benefits over Christmas and New Year for people whose scheduled payments fall on specific days. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have already published online guidance advising people of changes to benefit payment dates, with DWP following a similar pattern.

The State Pension and benefit payments that fall on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Friday December 27 and January 1 will be affected by the festive period. This is because offices, web services and telephone lines tend to close on the same days over the festive fortnight and DWP and HMRC must ensure payments are made on a day when offices are open so that claimants can speak to an advisor.

There will be no payment date changes for people in receipt of Child Benefit this year as Christmas Day falls on a Wednesday and Boxing Day on a Thursday - the HMRC payment is only issued on Mondays and Tuesdays. Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day are all classed as bank holidays across Wales.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that payments due on December 25, 26 and 27 will be paid on Tuesday, December 24. Payments due on January 1 will be paid on Tuesday December 31, reports the Daily Record.

The DWP benefits and payments that may be affected include: Payment due on Wednesday, January 1 - paid into bank account on Tuesday, December 31.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has also confirmed changes to Tax Credits. Payments due on December 25, 26 and 27 will be paid on Tuesday, December 24. Payments due on January 1 will be issued on Tuesday, December 31. Full details can be found on GOV. UK. The Tax Credits payment date changes include: Payment due on Wednesday, January 1 - paid into bank account on Tuesday, December 31.

What is happening where you live? Find out by adding your postcode or visit InYourArea