Many UK benefit recipients will receive their January 2025 payments early due to upcoming bank holidays. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have adjusted their schedules to prevent financial disruptions for claimants.
While early payments can help with holiday expenses, they also mean a longer wait until the next scheduled payment.
This guide covers the revised payment dates, affected benefits, and steps to take if your payment doesn’t arrive on time.
Why Are Payments Being Made Early?
Benefit payments are usually scheduled on fixed dates, but when a bank holiday falls on a payment date, the DWP and HMRC process payments earlier.
In January 2025, the affected bank holidays are:
- Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25, 2024
- Boxing Day – Thursday, December 26, 2024
- New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1, 2025
If your usual payment date falls on one of these holidays, your payment will be issued earlier.
Revised Benefit Payment Dates
The table below shows how payment dates will change for those affected by the holidays:
| Usual Payment Date | Revised Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, December 25, 2024 | Tuesday, December 24, 2024 |
| Thursday, December 26, 2024 | Tuesday, December 24, 2024 |
| Wednesday, January 1, 2025 | Tuesday, December 31, 2024 |
Payments due on normal working days will not be affected.
Which Benefits Will Be Paid Early?
The following DWP and HMRC benefits may be paid early due to the bank holidays:
| Benefit | Paid by |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | DWP |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | DWP |
| Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) | DWP |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) | DWP |
| Carer’s Allowance | DWP |
| State Pension | DWP |
| Child Benefit | HMRC |
| Tax Credits | HMRC |
Since these benefits follow set payment schedules, early payments ensure that recipients have access to funds before the bank closures.
Managing Your Budget
Receiving an early payment means your next scheduled payment date remains the same. This could create a longer-than-usual gap before your next payment.
To avoid financial strain, consider these tips:
Create a budget – Plan ahead to cover rent, bills, and food.
Set aside savings – If possible, save part of your early payment for later expenses.
Use benefit calculators – Tools like the Gov.uk benefits calculator help you plan finances.
What to Do If Your Payment Doesn’t Arrive
If you do not receive your payment on the revised date, follow these steps:
1. Check Your Bank Account
- Confirm whether the payment has been deposited.
- Some banks process transactions later in the day, so check again later.
2. Contact Your Benefit Provider
- DWP Benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, PIP, ESA, JSA)
- Phone: Call the DWP helpline (number listed on your benefit letters).
- Online: Sign in to your Universal Credit journal or GOV.UK account.
- HMRC Benefits (e.g., Tax Credits, Child Benefit)
- Phone: Contact the HMRC helpline (number on HMRC’s website).
- Online: Use the HMRC app to track payments.
3. Allow Extra Processing Time
- During holiday periods, banking delays may occur.
- If the payment is slightly late, wait a few hours before contacting support.
The early benefit payment schedule for January 2025 ensures that claimants receive their funds before the bank holidays. While this can be helpful for holiday expenses, careful budgeting is essential to manage the longer wait before the next payment.
Remember:
- Check your revised payment date and plan accordingly.
- If you don’t receive your payment, contact DWP or HMRC for assistance.
- Stay informed by visiting Gov.uk for the latest updates.
By staying prepared, you can avoid financial stress and ensure a smooth start to 2025.
