When will I get my PIP over Christmas? Benefit payment dates for December 2023

Christmas is almost here, which means changes to payment dates for benefits.

While the festive season can be expensive for many households, it can be especially challenging for those on a low income.

According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), everyone entitled to benefits will still receive payment – they may just arrive sooner than usual.

When will I get my PIP over Christmas?

Woman Using banking app on the smartphone pay utility bill, personal finance at home, financial Technology in real life , New normal lifestyle concept — Your PIP will be paid into your bank, building society or credit union account as usual (Photo: cofotoisme/Getty)

Personal independence payment (PIP) is usually paid every four weeks.

Your decision letter tells you:

the date of your first payment;
what day of the week you’ll usually be paid;
how long you’ll get PIP for;
when and if your claim will be reviewed.

Bank holidays on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day may mean your usual payment is slightly different this Christmas.

According to the Government, if your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday, you’ll usually be paid on the working day before.

This means that some payments will be made earlier if they’re due between 25 December 2023 and 2 January 2024 – see below for exact timings:

If your payment date is due on 25, 26 or 27 December, you’ll receive it on Friday 22 December;
If your payment date is due on 28 December, you’ll receive it on Wednesday 27 December;
If your payment date is due on 1 or 2 January, you’ll receive it on Friday 29 December;
If your payment date is due on 3 January, you’ll receive it on Tuesday 2 January;

All benefits, pensions and allowances will be paid into your bank, building society or credit union account as usual.

Will PIP go up in 2024?

In November, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced that benefits would rise by 6.7 per cent.

This increase is in line with September’s inflation rate, meaning it is above the 4.6 per cent inflation figure recorded in October.

The change will take effect from April 2024.

There are different rates of PIP for its two parts: the daily living component and the mobility component, and the amount you get for each depends on your needs. You can receive one or both parts of PIP.