State pensioners across the UK will get an £884 cash boost from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP

The government department has confirmed that benefits will be paid early over the festive and New Year period, including State Pensions.

The earlier payment is due to bank holidays on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, with the DWP saying it will ensure benefits claimants get the financial support they need over Christmas.

The full new State Pension rate is currently £221.20 per week and is normally paid by the DWP every four weeks. As there are four full weeks in December it means that pensioners will get £884.80 this month and this will arrive in bank accounts early.

If you get the full basic State Pension, which is paid at a rate of £169.50 per week, then you’ll get £678 this month.

The DWP has confirmed that pensioners due to receive their State Pension payment between December 25, 2024 and January 2, 2025 will instead receive it on the following dates over Christmas and New Year:

• If you’re payment is due on Wednesday, December 25, you’ll instead be paid on Tuesday, December 24
• If you’re payment is due on Thursday, December 26, you’ll instead be paid on Tuesday, December 24
• If you’re payment is due on Friday, December 27, you’ll instead be paid on Tuesday, December 24
• If you’re payment is due on Wednesday, January 1, you’ll instead be paid on Tuesday, December 31
• If you’re payment is due on Thursday, January 2, you’ll instead be paid on Tuesday, December 31

Households are warned that the earlier payment dates may affect how they budget their finances in the following month, as they will have to make their money last a bit longer until their next payment lands in January.

You don’t need to do anything if your payment date is changing this month as your money will be paid straight into your usual bank, building society or credit union account.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, said: “While a time of joy for many, the Christmas period can be overshadowed by financial worry for others, particularly for families on the lowest incomes.

“Our Plan for Change will deliver the long-term economic stability and growth needed to improve every family’s financial security by putting more money in their pockets while we take immediate action to support them with the cost of living.

“As well as bringing forward benefit payments to continue support over Christmas, our Household Support Fund can also provide extra help, and I encourage anyone struggling to get in touch with their local council to see if they are eligible.”