Benefit payments over Christmas: when are benefits paid in 2024 – payment dates including Child Benefit

As the holiday season approaches, many families in the UK are carefully preparing to control spending between Christmas and New Year.

Understanding changes to payment schedules is critical for persons receiving assistance when budgeting their finances.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) often change payment schedules around public holidays to ensure that claimants get their money on time.

This year, with Christmas and New Year’s Day happening on weekdays, certain early payment arrangements have been made to avoid bank closures.

Whether you get Universal Credit, Child Benefit, Tax Credits, or other benefits, knowing when to anticipate your money will help you plan for the holidays with confidence.

The updated payment dates for the Christmas and New Year period are shown below.

Benefit payments are normally sent straight to your bank, building society, or credit union account. If your customary payment date occurs on a weekend or a bank holiday, you will often get it on the last working day before.

Some payments planned between December 25, 2024 and January 2, 2025, will be paid sooner to accommodate the holiday season.

If a bank holiday falls on the same day as a child benefit payment, it is usually given on a separate day.

Although the DWP has not verified any changes that may effect other benefits on its website, it is safe to presume that they will follow the same payment patterns as described above.

What if my benefits aren’t paid on time?

If your payment does not come on the expected date, please verify the payment date on your award notification and check with your bank before contacting the office in charge of your benefit.

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