Benefit payment dates over Christmas

The dates you usually receive your welfare benefit payments may change over the Christmas holidays.

It is vital to know when exactly you will be paid over the festive period so you can plan accordingly.

In most cases you will just receive your benefits 24 hours early due to bank holidays.

Universal Credit

If your monthly payment date is on a weekend or a bank you will be paid on the working day before.

For example, if you are due to be paid on the 25^th or 26^th of December, you will now be paid on the 24^th.

Tax Credits

If your tax credits are due to be paid on the 25^th, 26^th or 27^th of December, they will now be paid on the 24^th.

If your tax credits are due to be paid on the 28^th of December, they will now be paid on the 27^th (excluding Northern Ireland).

If your tax credits are due to be paid on the 1^st or 2^nd of January, they will now be paid on the 31^st of December.

If your tax credits are due to be paid on the 3^rd of January, they will now be paid on the 2^nd (excluding Scotland).

Child Benefit

If your Child Benefit payment is due on the 25^th or 26^th of December, you will now be paid on the 24^th.

If your Child Benefit payment is due on the 1^st of January, you will now be paid on the 31^st of December.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

ESA is usually paid every two weeks. So if your payment is due on a bank holiday, you'll be paid on the last working day before the holiday.

For example, if your payment is due on the 24^th, 25^th or 26^th of December, it will now be paid on the 21^st.