A dozen benefits are set to be paid days early in time for Christmas this year.

But the exact date you can expect your cash to come in depends on which benefits you're on.

Christmas falls on a Saturday this year followed by bank holidays on December 27 and 28.

So payments scheduled for these dates have been moved to Christmas Eve.

That means early cash for anyone whose payment date falls between December 25 and 28.

There are also changes to payment dates over the New Year, too.

With a bank holiday scheduled for January 3, those expecting payments on the 1st, 2nd or 3rd of the month will receive their first benefits payment of 2022 on New Years Eve instead.

Recipients usually paid between the 29th and the 31st will receive their payments on those days as usual.

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How do I know if I get my benefits paid early?

Not everyone will get their benefit payments early – it depends on the date you usually get paid.

If you normally get paid benefits on the following dates, you'll get the money early this week on Friday December 24.

• Saturday 25 December
• Sunday 26 December
• Monday 27 December
• Tuesday 28 December

All payments expected on Thursday December 30 will be paid on that day as normal.

In Scotland, all benefits apart from Universal Credit due on January 4 will be paid early, on Friday December 31.

Universal Credit will still be paid on this day, even though it's a bank holiday in Scotland.

Which benefits are paid early this week because of Christmas?

The DWP have shared the full list of benefits that will be paid early because of Christmas.

• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Child Benefit
• Disability Living Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Personal Independence Payment
• State Pension
• Tax Credits (such as Working Tax Credit)
• Universal Credit

Universal Credit payments planned for December 29 will be paid that day as normal, while the other 11 benefits on the list will see payments brought forward to Christmas Eve.

Will my benefit payment amount change?

The amount you get paid will not change because of the early payment.

It will be the same as previous months, unless you've had a change of circumstances that affects how much you get at the same time.

Don't forget that if you get paid early then you'll have to make the money you get go further as you'll have extra days to wait until your next payment date.

Don't forget to include this when working out your household budget.

If your money is not paid on time, double check the date you get paid normally and contact your bank before calling the DWP.

Here's how you can submit a complaint to the DWP.

If you're struggling financially this Christmas, you might be able to claim £30 per child in supermarket vouchers.

You might also be able to get your council tax bill reduced if you're unable to pay.

And if you’re having a hard time paying rent, you could apply for a discretionary housing payment.

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