DWP bringing in change to payment dates for Universal Credit, PIP, State Pension

A payment date change for people who claim benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) is coming next month. The DWP is rolling out a key payment change for people who claim Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the State Pension and more.

State pension, PIP and other DWP benefits are changing payment dates in December. The DWP hasissued a reminder to benefit claimants that Pensions Credit, Universal Credit, PIP, and many others will change as we head towards Christmas on December 25.

Benefit payments that are due on bank holidays will instead be paid on the first working day prior due to the festive bank holidays. So, any payments due to land on December 25 and 26 will be made on December 24 instead.

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If your benefit payment is expected on January 1, you'll receive it on December 31 due to New Year’s Day. Those expecting Tax Credit payments on December 27 will also receive them on December 24 instead, and those due Child Benefit on December 31st will receive the money on December 30 instead.

The DWP states: "Benefits are usually paid straight into your bank, building society or credit union account. If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday you’ll usually be paid on the working day before. This may be different for tax credits and Child Benefit."

You’ll be asked for bank, building society or credit union account details when you claim. You can only get paid in a different way if you have problems opening or managing an account. If you cannot open or manage a bank, building society or credit union account Contact the office that pays your benefit to find out how to get it paid. If you receive Universal Credit, call the Universal Credit helpline.