Christmas payments 2019: when child benefit, Universal Credit, tax credits and more will be paid

The festive and New Year period can be an expensive and stressful time, particularly for those who are relying on benefit payments to see them through.
By Claire Schofield
Published 4th Dec 2019, 12:52 GMT
Updated 4th Dec 2019, 12:52 GMT
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But dates set by the Government show that many claimants will receive their payments early over the Christmas season, although there are some differences across the UK.

Varied dates

The exact date payments will be received depends on the type of benefits people receive - and where they live in the UK.

Government dates show that many will receive their payments early over the festive periodGovernment dates show that many will receive their payments early over the festive period
Government dates show that many will receive their payments early over the festive period
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Claimants who are due to receive Universal Credit payments on Christmas Day or Boxing day will instead receive it slightly earlier on Christmas Eve, along with various other benefit payments.

Similarly, those who are expecting their money on New Year’s Day will also receive it a day earlier on 31 December.

Although there are variations in dates between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

Benefit payment dates

There are variations in payment dates depending on the benefit type and where you live in the UKThere are variations in payment dates depending on the benefit type and where you live in the UK
There are variations in payment dates depending on the benefit type and where you live in the UK

These are all the key benefit payment dates for the Christmas and New Year period in 2019:

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Attendance Allowance, State Pension, Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment:

When your payment is due - when you will be paid

Wednesday 25 December - Tuesday 24 December 2019 Thursday 26 December - Tuesday 24 December 2019 Friday 27 December - Tuesday 24 December 2019 Saturday 28 December 2019 - Saturday 28 December (Tuesday 24 December - Northern Ireland only) Sunday 29 December - Sunday 29 December 2019 Monday 30 December - Monday 30 December 2019 Tuesday 31 December - Tuesday 31 December 2019 Wednesday 1 January 2020 - Tuesday 31 December 2019

Universal Credit

When your payment is due - when you will be paid

Tuesday 24 December - Tuesday 24 December 2019 Wednesday 25 December - Tuesday 24 December 2019 Thursday 26 December - Tuesday 24 December 2019 Wednesday 1 January 2020 - Tuesday 31 December 2019

Child benefit

Child benefit payments fall on a Monday or Tuesday for most households and with Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day falling on a Wednesday and Thursday this year, payments should be paid normally.

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However, if your usual payment falls on a day other than a Monday or Tuesday, the following changes could apply:

When your payment is due - when you will be paid

Wednesday 25 December - Tuesday 24 December 2019 Thursday 26 December - Tuesday 24 December 2019 Friday 27 December - Friday 27 December (Tuesday 24 December in Northern Ireland) Saturday 28 December - Saturday 28 December 2019 Sunday 29 December - Sunday 29 December 2019 Monday 30 December - Monday 30 December 2019 Tuesday 31 December - Tuesday 31 December 2019 Wednesday 1 January 2020 - Tuesday 31 December 2019 Payment due: Thursday 2 January 2020. Payment made: Thursday 2 January 2020 (Tuesday 31 December - Scotland only)

Tax credits

These can be made on any working day, so Christmas may affect when the money arrives in your bank account.

When your payment is due - when you will be paid

Wednesday 25 December - Tuesday 24 December 2019 Thursday 26 December - Tuesday 24 December 2019 Friday 27 December - Tuesday 27 December 2019 (Tuesday 24 December - Northern Ireland only) Saturday 28 December - Saturday 28 December 2019 Sunday 29 December- Sunday 29 December 2019 Monday 30 December - Monday 30 December 2019 Tuesday 31 December - Tuesday 31 December 2019 Wednesday 1 January 2020 - Tuesday 31 December 2019 Thursday 2 January 2020 - Thursday 2 January 2020 (Tuesday 31 December - Scotland only)

Related topics:Universal CreditNorthern IrelandGovernment