DWP Christmas Payments 2024: What You Need to Know About Festive Benefits

Introduction: Understanding DWP Christmas Payments

As the festive season approaches, millions of benefit claimants across the UK need to be aware of important changes to their payment schedules. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) adjust payment dates around public holidays to ensure claimants receive their money in time, with early payment arrangements in place to prevent delays caused by bank closures. With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, understanding when these payments will arrive is crucial for household budgeting during this expensive time of year.

The £10 Christmas Bonus Payment

Millions of households are set to receive a one-off £10 payment from December 2 from the Department of Work and Pensions, sent to people receiving certain benefits such as carer’s allowance, adult disability payment, the state pension, pension credit and personal independence payment (PIP). The payment will be automatically paid into accounts during the first week of December, showing up as ‘DWP XB’. However, households claiming universal credit won’t receive the payment, neither will people who haven’t claimed their state pension and are not entitled to one of the other qualifying benefits.

Early Payment Dates Over the Festive Period

People due to receive their Universal Credit payment on Wednesday 25 December will now receive it on Tuesday 24 December, while those due to receive theirs on Wednesday 1 January will get paid on Tuesday 31 December. For payments scheduled between 25 December 2024 and 2 January 2025, some will be made earlier to accommodate the holiday period. This early payment arrangement applies to all major benefits including State Pension, Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, and Carer’s Allowance.

Calls for Christmas Bonus Increase

Despite inflation and rising living costs, the Christmas Bonus has remained at £10 since it was first introduced in 1972. The bonus had remained at £10 since it was introduced in 1972 yet if it had gone up in line with inflation, it would now be worth £113.18. A petition calling for an increase has gained significant traction, though the government has stated there are currently no plans to revise the bonus amount.

Conclusion: Planning Ahead for the Festive Period

For the millions of families relying on government support, these early payments provide essential help during Christmas. Claimants should check their accounts for earlier-than-usual deposits and budget accordingly, as Scottish benefit claimants have been reminded that most payments over Christmas and New Year are likely to hit bank accounts early, and they are urged to budget accordingly. Those who don’t receive expected payments should contact their relevant benefit office. With additional support available through the Household Support Fund, vulnerable households facing financial difficulties should contact their local council to explore available assistance during this challenging period.