Full list of benefit payment dates for Christmas and New Year as Scots urged to budget 'accordingly'

Scots have been urged to budget “accordingly” as benefit payments over Christmas and New Year are likely to hit bank accounts early.

Both the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and Social Security Scotland have confirmed that the payments will arrive earlier than usual in December and January.

The payment date changes are due to the upcoming bank holidays on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and the additional bank holiday in Scotland on Tuesday, January 2.

Advice Direct Scotland said households should plan “accordingly” for changes in payments over the festive holidays.

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.”

Full list of benefit payment dates for Christmas and New Year

Recipients of DWP-administered 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 are reminded:

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 or 31, and January 1 or 2 should be paid on Friday, December 29

Universal Credit claimants should also note 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 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
Payments due on January 8 should be paid either January 4 or January 8