Benefit payment dates in January 2025 and other key dates this month

Now that the festive period is out of the way, many people are looking to organise their finances for the year ahead.

For millions in the UK, that means figuring out when the government will pay the next lot of benefit payments.

Here’s what you need to know about benefits payment dates in January, and key dates and deadlines for your diary this month.

When will I be paid my benefits?

Unless you were scheduled to be paid on New Year's Day, benefit payment dates will return to normal this month.

Those with this payment date will have received their universal credit payments on 29 December.

From 2 January 2025 onwards, benefit payment days will fall in line with your usual payment dates.

Universal credit

Universal credit is paid every month, on average seven days after an assessment period. This will vary because it depends on when you first applied for it.

Housing benefit

Housing benefit is paid every four weeks in arrears, meaning you receive the payment at the end of the period it covers.

The DWP plans to phase out housing benefit by March 2025, when it will be paid through universal credit.

PIP

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

Your decision letter will let you know what day of the week you're expected to be paid.

State pension

State pension is paid into your bank account every four weeks.

The day your pension is paid depends on your national insurance number.

Want to check when you're expected to be paid other benefits? Use our tool below.

What other changes are coming into effect this month?

Winter fuel payment deadline

January is the final month people can apply for the fuel winter payment to cover their heating bills for 2024-5.

Government changes now mean you're only eligible if you're in receipt of pension credit.

You can apply for pension credit through the gov.uk website.

Likewise, you can apply over telephone by calling the pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.

If you cannot hear or speak on the phone, call 18001 then 0800 99 1234.

Cold weather payments

As temperatures are set to plummet over the weekend, it may mean that people are eligible for cold weather payments.

You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days, with £25 for a period of very cold weather between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2025.

You may get cold weather payments if you’re getting:

• Pension credit

• Income support

• Income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA)

• Income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)

• Universal credit

• Support for mortgage interest

In Scotland, you cannot get cold winter payments, but you may be eligible for winter heating payment instead.

Attendance allowance changes

In Scotland, people getting attendance allowance - a state benefit for disabled people who need constant care at home - will begin to be automatically transferred to the new pension age disability payment.

The new payment was introduced to make claiming the benefit more streamlined and efficient for older disabled people, and was created in consultation with disabled people in Scotland.