The countdown to Christmas and New Year is officially on and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have confirmed changes to benefit payment dates during the festive fortnight. Similar changes have now been announced for benefits administered by Social Security Scotland.
Some 3,500 people in receipt of Adult Disability Payment - the devolved benefit replacing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland for new claimants and existing ones by the end of 2025 - may receive their payment earlier if it falls on one of the Bank Holidays over Christmas and New Year. Those claiming Child Disability Payment, the benefit replacing Disability Living Allowance for Children and the Scottish Child Payment, may also receive their regular support early in December or January.
If the expected payment date falls on certain dates between December 24 and January 6, payments may be made early. Those affected will receive a text message closer to the time advising them of when they will receive their money.
In an online update, Social Security Scotland shared the revised payment dates, but also advised that due to postal strikes some people may receive a payment into their bank account before getting a letter advising them of the change.
Christmas payment date changes for Scottish benefits
Payments due:
- Between Saturday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 28 will be paid on Friday, December 23
- On Thursday, December 29 will be paid on that date, however, text messages will be sent to those affected confirming a payment date
- Between Friday, December 30 and Monday, January 2 will be paid on Friday, December 30 - text messages will be sent to those affected confirming a payment date
New Year payment date changes for Scottish benefits
Payments due:
- On Tuesday, January 3 will be made on that date - text messages will be sent to those affected confirming a payment date
- On Wednesday, January 4 will be made on that date - text messages will be sent to those affected confirming a payment date
- On Thursday, January 5 will be made on that date - text messages will be sent to those affected confirming a payment date
- On Friday, January 6 will be made on Thursday, January 5
You can read the full details on payment changes here.
A list of benefits delivered by Social Security Scotland can be found here.
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