DWP confirms key new year Universal Credit payment date change | Personal Finance | Finance

December 29, 2025 4,381

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced an update in payment dates around the new year for those claiming Universal Credit. This is due to scheduled payments falling on New Year’s Day.

In a new post on X, the DWP wrote: “Information for claimants already receiving payments: Your payment dates may be brought forward due to the festive period. Please contact us straight away if there is a problem with your payment.” Benefit payments that fall on a Bank Holiday are usually brought forward. This week, Universal Credit payments that would be due on Thursday, January 1, will be paid on Wednesday, December 31. Other benefits and state pension payments that are set to fall on January 1 will also be paid on New Year’s Eve.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Social Security Scotland have also published changes to benefit payment dates.

Benefit payments set to fall on January 1 and January 2 in Scotland will also be made on Wednesday, December 31. This change is primarily due to the closure of offices, web services, and telephone lines during the festive period.

The DWP, HMRC, and Social Security Scotland ensure that payments are made on days when offices are open, allowing claimants to speak with an advisor if needed.

For parents and guardians in England or Wales who receive Child Benefit, there will be no payment date changes this week.

However, those in Scotland expecting a Child Benefit payment on Monday, January 5, will receive it the following day, Tuesday, January 6.

The DWP has published payment date changes that take place over the New Year on GOV.UK.