Millions of people across the UK who receive government support will receive their payments on different days ahead of Christmas and New Year.

That includes people in receipt of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The festive season can be a strain on finances at the best of times although this year families will also have to contend with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and soaring energy bills.

The bank holiday dates mean many expecting DWP payments will see the money hit their bank accounts earlier than expected.

The Government website explains: "Benefits are usually paid straight into your bank, building society or credit union account.

"If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday you’ll usually be paid on the working day before."

What is PIP?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help with extra living costs if you have both:

  • a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
  • difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition

There are 2 parts to PIP, a daily living part to help with household tasks such as washing and dressing and a mobility part - if you need help with getting around.

Unlike some other benefits, you can get PIP even if you’re working, have savings or are getting most other benefits. It is tax free and not affected by your income or savings.

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If you live in Scotland, you can apply for Adult Disability Payment (ADP) instead of PIP.

If you get the mobility part of PIP, you might be eligible for a:

  • Blue Badge
  • vehicle tax discount or exemption
  • Motability Scheme vehicle, if you get the higher mobility rate of PIP

If you get either the daily living or mobility part of PIP you may also be eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard.

You may be able to get a discount on Council Tax and local bus travel. Contact your local council to check.

DWP PIP payment dates over Christmas

If your payment was due to be paid on Christmas Day or Boxing Day, then you will receive your money on Tuesday, December 24.

If you are due to receive Universal Credit or any other benefit payment on New Year's Day (Wednesday, January 1), then you should receive your payment on Tuesday, December 31.

DWP PIP payment increase in 2025

Benefits including Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) will increase by 1.7 per cent next year, in line with inflation figures from September.

These are the benefits that usually rise in line with inflation:

  • Attendance allowance
  • Employment and support allowance
  • Housing benefit
  • Income support
  • Industrial injuries disablement benefit
  • Jobseeker's allowance
  • Maternity allowance
  • Pension credit
  • Personal independence payment
  • Statutory maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental pay
  • Statutory sick pay
  • Tax credits
  • Universal credit

These are the new rates for Personal Independence payments from April 2025:

Daily living component

  • Enhanced from £108.55  to £110.40
  • Standard from £72.65 to £73.89

Mobility component

  • Enhanced from 75.75 to 77.04
  • Standard from 28.70 to 29.19