Bank holidays usually affect when payday arrives and that’s no different for benefit payments. Because of these Christmas bank holidays, this year, if you usually get money on the 26th or 27th of each month, it'll come through on December 23.
That is because Boxing Day is a bank holiday and the 27th is a "substituted" bank holiday day for Christmas Day. Payments aren't made on these days so you’ll get paid on the first day before the bank holidays, which will be Friday, December 23rd.
Unfortunately, if the 23rd rolls around and you haven’t been paid as you expect, there’s little that can be done as banks will be closed until the 28th. After this time payments should be processed and with you on time.
Read more: DWP XB - Universal Credit Christmas bonus: Eligibility and payment date
If you are on any of the following benefits and you’re scheduled to get paid on December 26 or 27, then you can expect to be paid early on the 23rd instead:
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State Pension
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Employment support allowance (ESA)
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Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
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Carer's Allowance
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Pension Credit
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Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
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Attendance Allowance
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Tax credits
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Child benefits
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Universal credit
If you normally get paid your monthly salary on the 24th or 25th of each month, you should also receive your payment on December 23.
If you don't receive your benefit payment on time, it's worth checking with your bank first before contacting the DWP. If something's not right, you can also submit a complaint to the DWP.
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