DWP warns of date changes for State Pension, PIP and Universal Credit payments

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued some key date changes for those in receipt of benefits. Thousands of people on Universal Credit and PIP will be affected by the change later this month.

Those who are due to get a benefit payment on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year's Day will need to see the cash hit their bank accounts slightly earlier. This is due to benefit payments not being typically sent on bank holidays, the Mirror reports.

However those who do get paid earlier have been warned they'll need to make their money last longer as they will be waiting longer until their next payment. You can find all the dates and information you'll need below.

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Christmas and New Year benefit payment dates

Those due a benefit payment on Wednesday, December 25, or Thursday, December 26, will likely receive their money on the previous working day, which would be Tuesday, December 24. Those expecting a benefit payment on Wednesday, January 1, should receive it on Tuesday, December 31.

The DWP said anyone due to be paid on a different day, should see the money paid into their account as normal. They won't need to do anything different to receive your benefit payment and the amount received will remain the same unless personal circumstances have changed.

When are benefits normally paid?

Payment dates differ, depending on the type of benefit you claim. Universal Credit is usually paid on the same day each month, while Tax Credits were typically paid by HMRC every four weeks or weekly.

• Attendance Allowance - Usually every four weeks
• Carer’s Allowance - Weekly in advance or every four weeks
• Child Benefit - Usually every four weeks, or weekly if you’re a single parent or you or your partner get certain benefits
• 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

What do I do if my benefits don't get paid?

If you're expecting a benefit payment and it doesn't arrive, people should double-check the date on their award notice and their bank account. If the assumed date is right, and the money hasn't arrived, they should contact the relevant helpline - however they were unlikely to be open on bank holidays.

Universal Credit:

• Call for free: 0800 328 9344
• Textphone: 0800 328 1344

Child benefit:

• Call for free: 0300 200 3100

Tax credits:

• Call HMRC for free: 0345 300 3900

Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit and Employment and Support Allowance:

• Call for free: 0800 169 0310
• Textphone: 0800 169 0314
• Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 169 0