Millions of Brits relying on benefits will see their usual DWP payments shift this Christmas. And no, this isn’t some last-minute Grinch move it’s just the standard shuffle around bank holidays. Every year, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) adjusts payment schedules so folks aren’t left hanging over the festive period. If you’re on Universal Credit, PIP, or other benefits, here’s when your money’s landing in your account this holiday season—plus what’s changing with benefit rates in 2026.
When will DWP pay benefits over Christmas 2025?
Let’s get the most urgent part out of the way: your December and early January payment dates.
If your benefit—whether it’s Universal Credit, PIP, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or something else—was scheduled to hit on:
Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25) or Boxing Day (Friday, December 26)
→ Your payment will instead arrive on Wednesday, December 24.
New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1, 2026)
→ Expect your money on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
Simple, right? The DWP always tries to make sure payments don’t fall through the cracks during the holidays. That means anything landing on a bank holiday or weekend generally comes a working day earlier. So if your regular payday is a Friday and it’s a bank holiday, you’ll see your payment on Thursday.
It’s worth checking your bank around 9 AM on these days—but keep in mind, processing times can vary slightly depending on your bank or credit union.
What if you live in Scotland?
Things work a bit differently north of the border.
If you’re living in Scotland and were on Personal Independence Payment (PIP), that benefit has now been replaced by the Adult Disability Payment. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to reapply from scratch. If you submit a PIP form to Social Security Scotland, they’ll automatically treat it as an application for the Adult Disability Payment.
Basically, the switch shouldn’t disrupt your payments—just keep an eye out for any official letters explaining the change and make sure your contact details are up to date.
What benefits are increasing and by how much?
A bit of relief is coming next April.
DWP confirmed that a number of benefits will rise by 3.8% in 2026, aligning with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate from September 2025. The increase will apply to a wide range of payments, including:
| Benefit Type | Expected Increase |
|---|---|
| Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) | +3.8% |
| Income Support | +3.8% |
| Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit | +3.8% |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) | +3.8% |
| Maternity Allowance | +3.8% |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | +3.8% |
| Statutory Maternity/Paternity/Adoption Pay | +3.8% |
| Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) | +3.8% |
| Tax Credits | +3.8% |
The actual amount you receive depends on your individual circumstances—household size, income, health conditions, etc.—so don’t expect a flat number across the board. But every little helps, especially with rising food and energy bills.
Universal Credit: Big changes in 2026/27
Now here’s where things get even more interesting.
For the 2026/27 financial year, the DWP has announced a more significant bump in Universal Credit. That includes the standard allowance, which is going up by more than 6%, thanks to a combo of the CPI-linked rise (3.8%) plus an added 2.3% uplift.
Here’s how the numbers shake out:
| Universal Credit Category | Current (2025/26) | New (2026/27) |
|---|---|---|
| Single, under 25 | £316.98/month | £338.58/month |
| Single, 25 and over | £400.14/month | £424.90/month |
| Joint claimants, both under 25 | £497.55/month | £528.34/month |
| Joint claimants, both 25 and over | £628.10/month | £666.97/month |
But—and it’s a pretty big “but”—this increase only applies to the standard allowance.
If you’re receiving the health element of Universal Credit (for long-term illness or disability), there’s a sting in the tail. Starting April 2026, new claimants will see that health-related addition frozen and halved until at least 2029-30. That’s part of a cost-cutting plan buried in the Autumn Statement.
In short? More money for most people, but less support for new claimants with health issues. Existing claimants won’t see changes right away, but it’s a warning of what’s ahead.
What you should do now
- Double-check your usual payment dates. Mark your calendar to avoid confusion around Christmas.
- Monitor your bank account closely around the adjusted dates (Dec 24 and Dec 31).
- If you’re in Scotland and moving from PIP to Adult Disability Payment, watch for correspondence from Social Security Scotland.
- Be aware of changes to the Universal Credit health element, especially if you’re considering making a claim in early 2026.
And most importantly—don’t wait until the last minute. With offices shut and online systems bogged down during the holidays, even small issues can take days to resolve.
The DWP has publicly confirmed these dates and policy updates across several government channels. The adjusted Christmas and New Year payment dates follow the long-standing rule of early payments when benefits fall on bank holidays. The 3.8% inflation-linked rise and 6%+ Universal Credit uplift are based on official CPI data from September and included in Autumn Statement briefings.
FAQs
Will my benefit payment be late over Christmas 2025?
No, payments that fall on Christmas Day or Boxing Day will arrive earlier, on December 24.
What if my usual benefit date is a Saturday or Sunday during the holidays?
You’ll typically receive the payment on the preceding Friday or last working day before the weekend.
Do I need to do anything to get the increased benefit amounts in 2026?
No. If you’re already receiving benefits, the increase will be applied automatically.
Will Universal Credit increase apply to all elements, including child and housing components?
No, the announced increases apply to the standard allowance only. Other components may not rise by the same rate.
What happens if my PIP application is pending during the Scotland transition?
If you’re moving to Scotland, your PIP application will be treated as a claim for Adult Disability Payment. No extra forms needed.
