MOST DWP benefits due to be paid over Christmas and New Year holiday dates will be issued early.
With Christmas Day and New Year’s Day falling on a Monday while Boxing Day and January 2 on a Tuesday, all bank holidays in Scotland, money will be sent out to people in advance.
Payments due on the days before and after will also be issued early.
Advice Direct Scotland is reminding people who receive several social security benefits to be aware of the changes and budget accordingly.
Payments due on December 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27 should be paid on Friday, December 22.
Payments due on December 28 should be paid on Wednesday, December 27.
Payments due on December 30, 31, and January 1 or 2 should be paid on Friday, December 29.
It affects people who receive Universal Credit, State Pension, Pension Credit, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Income Support, and Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Universal Credit claimants are reminded that if their payment falls on Wednesday, December 27 or Tuesday, January 2, they will receive it on those dates as normal.
Those entitled to Social Security Scotland’s Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, Scottish Child Payment, and Carer Support Payment can expect the following schedule:
Payments due on December 25, 26, and 27 should be paid Friday, December 22.
Payments due on December 28 should be paid either December 22 or December 28.
Payments due on December 29, 30, 33 and January 1 and 2, 2024, should be paid either December 28 or December 29.
Payments due on January 3 should be paid either Friday, December 29 or January 3.
Payments due on January 4 should be paid either Friday, December 29 or January 4.
Payments due on January 5, 6, and 7 should be paid either January 3 or January 5.
Julie Murphy, project lead for advice.scot, said: “As we approach the Christmas and New Year holiday period, it’s important for people to be prepared for these changed dates and plan ahead to reduce stress.
“With the cost-of-living crisis, we know that many Scots are finding things extremely challenging when it comes to their household finances and will be concerned about when their payment will arrive.
“Help is available for anyone who is worried or confused.
“At Advice Direct Scotland, we have a wide range of services available to everyone in Scotland at no cost, regardless of personal circumstance.”
Advice Direct Scotland can be contacted on 0808 800 9060 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm), or through www.advice.scot.
