This year, Christmas Eve falls during the weekend, as does Christmas Day with December 25 occurring on a Sunday.
And whilst this means that Boxing Day falls on a Monday, the bank holiday status has now been moved to the following day on December 27 (Tuesday).
This means that payments and benefits from the Department for Working Pensions (DWP) or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will be made earlier.
READ MORE: Paolo Nutini Glasgow support acts as Paisley born star returns to city next week
For some, you may have already received your Christmas bonus with others still waiting. The rollout of the bonus began on December 5, reports the Express, with benefit payments affected by the seasonal bank holidays will arrive on December 23.
As we get closer to Christmas, both HMRC and DWP have confirmed changes to payment dates across the festive period and the New Year. This is for benefits and other payments such as state pension, Universal Credit (UC), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, Child Benefit and Tax Credits.
DWP benefits that may be affected:
- Universal Credit (UC)
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Some payments will be made earlier if they’re due between December 26, 2022 and January 3, 2023. People should tell the office that pays your benefit if they do not get their payment on the day it’s scheduled.
But as the cost of living crisis continues to be an ongoing issue for many households across the UK, including Scotland, it's best to be aware of what money is coming in and when you can expect it - especially over the festive period when Government offices and phone lines are closed.
With this in mind, here's what you should know...
Christmas payment date changes
All payments due on December 26 (Monday) will now be paid earlier on December 23 (Friday) whilst payments due on December 27 (Tuesday) will be made on December 23 (Friday).
Anyone receiving Universal Credit payments due on December 28 (Wednesday) will be paid as normal with other DWP payments due on December 28 being confirmed for December 23 (Friday).
New Year payment date changes in Scotland
All payments due on January 2 (Monday) will be made on December 30 (Friday) with payments due on January 3 (Tuesday) now being paid on December 30 (Friday) if you live in Scotland. Elsewhere, it will be paid as normal.
Child Benefit payment dates over Christmas
These payment date changes affect people receiving Child Benefit or Guardian's Allowance. It may also affect those receiving Working Tax Credits or Child Tax Credits.
Christmas
Payments due on December 26 will be made on December 23 whilst payments due on December 27 will be made on December 23.
In addition to these date changes, December 28 (Wednesday) payments will now be due on December 23 with payments due on December 29 (Thursday) now being switched to December 28. The latter of the payments will only affect those living in Scotland and England.
New Year
Payments due on January 2 and the 3rd will be made on December 30. Meanwhile payments due on January 4 will be made as usual if you live in Scotland. For those living in England and Northern Ireland, it will now be paid a day earlier on January 3.
How much is the Christmas bonus?
Eligible claimants will get an extra £10 on top of their usual benefits. It is paid to people who get certain benefits in the qualifying week. This is normally the first full week of December.
If someone thinks they should receive the bonus but they have not received it, they are being advised to contact the relevant Job Centre or Pension Centre that issues their payments.
The Government website states: “You do not need to claim – you should get paid automatically. It will not affect any other benefits you get.
“All benefits, pensions and allowances are normally paid into an account, such as your bank account. It may show up as ‘DWP XB’ on your bank statement.”
For more information, people can visit the Government website.
READ NEXT:
Glasgow bin collection 2022 as council changes dates over Christmas and New Year
Drivers warned about common screenwash mistake as people urged to take care on roads
Glasgow firm M&Co goes into administration - full list of stores at risk
When it will snow in Glasgow as city set for lows of -7C says Met Office
National Grid triggers emergency plan amid blackout fears as temperatures plummet across the UK
