Story perspectives
DWP Shifts Benefit Payments Ahead for Holidays, Boosts Rates
12/22/2025
1 of 1
Story summary
- The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will move December 2025 and January 2026 benefit payments earlier due to bank holidays.
- Christmas Day and Boxing Day payments move to December 24.
- New Year’s Day payments move to December 31.
- A £10 Christmas Bonus will be distributed to eligible claimants.
- Benefit rates will rise in April 2026, with Universal Credit up 6.1% and the State Pension up 4.8%.
