Many UK pensioners expecting their state pension around Christmas may be concerned about payment delays due to bank holidays.
If your pension is due on 26 December 2025 Boxing Day it coincides with a national bank holiday, which can shift your payment date.
Understanding how the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) handles such changes ensures you can plan your finances without stress. This guide explains exactly when you’ll be paid and what to do if delays occur.
What Happens If Your State Pension Is Due On 26th December 2025?
When the state pension due date falls on a bank holiday such as Boxing Day, recipients are usually paid early. In 2025, Boxing Day falls on Friday 26th December, which is a UK-wide bank holiday.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which is responsible for issuing state pensions, does not process payments on bank holidays or weekends.
This means anyone whose regular payment date lands on Friday 26 December 2025 can expect their pension to be paid earlier than usual. According to guidance from GOV.UK, when a payment date coincides with a bank holiday, the payment is typically moved to the preceding working day.
In this case, the last working day before Boxing Day is Wednesday 24 December 2025.
This early payment is not an additional pension amount. It is simply an adjustment to ensure that pensioners receive their funds on time without disruption from the holiday schedule.
Understanding Bank Holidays And Payment Adjustments
The UK recognises Christmas Day and Boxing Day as consecutive bank holidays. When these dates fall during the working week, the government and banks close operations for both days.
Consequently, DWP schedules payments accordingly to ensure they are disbursed before the bank holidays begin.
For state pensions scheduled for either 25th or 26th December, the DWP’s standard policy is to make the payment on the nearest working day before the holidays begin.
In this particular case, 24 December 2025 is the working day before Christmas and Boxing Day, which is when the payments will most likely be made.
GOV.UK Payment Guidance During Holidays
GOV.UK outlines the holiday payment process clearly. Pensioners are not required to take any action to receive their payment early. The DWP system processes the change automatically, based on the national payment calendar.
However, pensioners are advised to check their bank accounts on the morning of 24 December to ensure funds have been deposited as expected.
In rare cases where a payment has not arrived, individuals are encouraged to contact their bank first before reaching out to The Pension Service. Delays are uncommon, but banking hours and holiday staffing levels can impact processing times.
When Will State Pensions Be Paid Over The 2025 Christmas Holidays?
The following table illustrates how state pension payment dates are likely to shift around the 2025 Christmas holidays. These changes affect those whose payments are due on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.
| Normal Due Date | Day | Bank Holiday? | Likely Paid On |
| 25 Dec 2025 | Thursday | Yes | 24 Dec 2025 (Wednesday) |
| 26 Dec 2025 | Friday (Boxing Day) | Yes | 24 Dec 2025 (Wednesday) |
This adjustment ensures that pensioners receive their money before the long holiday weekend begins. Given that both 25th and 26th December are bank holidays, 24th December becomes the most practical and likely payment date.
The practice of early payments is standard and has been consistently applied in previous years. Pensioners should note that this does not affect the overall pension amount or frequency, just the timing.
Why Does Your Regular Pension Payment Day Still Show 26 December?
Despite the actual payment arriving early, many pensioners may still see 26 December listed as their official payment date in correspondence or digital account portals.
This is because the DWP uses a fixed payment schedule based on individual National Insurance (NI) numbers, and those dates do not change even when payments are moved forward due to bank holidays.
Seeing the date 26 December displayed does not indicate a delay or mistake. It simply reflects your recurring pension schedule based on your NI number. The early payment is part of an administrative adjustment that does not alter your long-term payment plan.
In most cases, the pension will appear in your bank account before the date shown.
Pensioners are encouraged to monitor their account balance and not be concerned if the date in their pension statement differs from the actual payment day.
How Is Your Pension Payment Date Determined In The UK?
The day your state pension is paid each week is determined by the last two digits of your National Insurance number. This system helps distribute payments evenly throughout the week and allows the DWP to manage its processes more efficiently.
Here is a breakdown of the DWP’s regular state pension payment schedule:
| NI Number Ending In | Pension Paid On |
| 00 to 19 | Monday |
| 20 to 39 | Tuesday |
| 40 to 59 | Wednesday |
| 60 to 79 | Thursday |
| 80 to 99 | Friday |
If your NI number ends in the range 80 to 99, your state pension is normally paid on a Friday. Therefore, in 2025, you would typically receive your payment on Friday 26 December. However, since that day is a bank holiday, the payment will instead be issued on Wednesday 24 December.
This same principle applies across all ranges. The payment date itself remains consistent, but is adjusted when it falls on a non-working day due to holidays.
Overview Of DWP Payment Schedules
DWP’s payment cycles operate on a weekly or four-weekly basis. Most pensioners receive their pension payments every four weeks.
The schedule is predictable and stable, with exceptions only occurring during major public holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and bank holiday weekends.
Pensioners can log in to their personal tax account or contact The Pension Service for clarity on their payment schedule, but generally, the system operates automatically and reliably.
What Should You Do If Your Pension Payment Hasn’t Arrived?
If your state pension is due around 26 December but has not appeared in your account by midday on 24 December 2025, there are a few recommended steps to take.
Start by checking your bank account balance again later in the day, as different banks process incoming payments at different times. Some payments may arrive early in the morning, while others could land later in the afternoon.
If the funds still have not arrived:
- Contact your bank or building society first to confirm whether a payment is pending or delayed
- If the bank has no record of the payment, reach out to The Pension Service using contact information available on GOV.UK
- Make sure to have your National Insurance number and pension reference details ready for identification
It is important to act early, particularly as DWP services may be closed during the actual bank holidays. Attempt to resolve the issue on 24 December if possible, to avoid delays caused by holiday closures.
Are Other DWP Benefits Also Paid Early During Christmas 2025?
Yes, other benefits administered by the DWP follow the same pattern of early payment if their usual due date falls on a weekend or bank holiday. This ensures that claimants receive their benefits without interruption during the holiday season.
The following benefits are also affected:
- Universal Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
If any of these benefits are due on 25 or 26 December, the likely payment date will also be Wednesday 24 December 2025.
This consolidated approach helps the DWP coordinate payments more effectively across its departments.
Most benefit recipients will be notified of the early payment schedule in advance, either through DWP letters or by checking online systems such as the Universal Credit journal or the HMRC app for tax credits.
Where Can You Find Official Updates On Pension Payment Dates?
To stay informed about state pension payments and any changes due to holidays, it is best to consult official sources. The most accurate and timely information will be found on the following platforms:
- GOV.UK – State Pension Page: For eligibility, payment schedules, and managing your pension
- GOV.UK – When Benefits Are Paid: Lists bank holiday adjustments for all government benefits
- GOV.UK – Bank Holiday Calendar: Displays official UK-wide bank holidays by region
In addition, pensioners can call The Pension Service or use their online services to confirm payment dates. Some banks also provide direct notifications when payments are scheduled, especially for recurring benefits like the state pension.
Checking these resources a few weeks ahead of Christmas is advised to ensure you’re prepared for any changes.
How Can You Prepare For Early Pension Payments At Christmas?
Receiving your pension early in December can be convenient, but it also means there is a longer gap before your next payment in January. For this reason, it’s important to prepare accordingly to avoid financial strain during the New Year.
Here are some practical steps pensioners can take:
- Make a budget that stretches from your early December payment through to your next scheduled date in January
- Set aside funds specifically for post-Christmas bills and living expenses
- Track your payment dates using a calendar or diary to avoid confusion during the festive period
- Check your bank statements to confirm the amount and date of receipt
- Avoid unnecessary festive spending that might affect your ability to cover January expenses
A well-planned financial approach can make the difference between a stressful and a relaxed start to the New Year.
Conclusion
If your state pension is due on 26 December 2025, you can expect an earlier payment on 24 December due to the Christmas bank holidays.
The DWP follows a reliable system to ensure payments are made in advance when holidays interrupt the usual schedule.
By understanding how payment dates are determined and where to find official updates, pensioners can manage their finances with confidence. Always check your bank account early and use GOV.UK for accurate information and assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my state pension be paid before Christmas 2025?
Yes, if your pension is due on 25 or 26 December 2025, it will likely be paid early on 24 December 2025 due to bank holidays.
What if my bank doesn’t process the payment on time?
Payment times can vary by bank. Check your account throughout the day, and contact your bank if there are any delays before contacting the DWP.
Can I contact DWP over the holidays?
DWP offices are typically closed on public holidays. It’s best to resolve payment issues on the last working day before Christmas or wait until after the holidays.
Is 26 December always a bank holiday?
Yes, in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, 26 December is always a bank holiday known as Boxing Day.
Are there changes for other government benefits?
Yes, benefits like Universal Credit, ESA, and PIP are also paid early if their regular dates fall on bank holidays.
How does the DWP decide early payment dates?
The DWP uses a fixed schedule that shifts payments to the last working day before any public holiday.
Is 24 December a guaranteed payment date?
While not “guaranteed,” 24 December is the likely payment date for pensions due on 25 or 26 December 2025. This has been the consistent practice in previous years.
