More than 20 million people in the UK receive financial support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
However, with August 2025 bringing multiple bank holidays, your benefit payment schedule may be adjusted. Here’s everything you need to know to avoid surprises and ensure you’re prepared.
Why Your Benefit Payment Date May Change in August
If you’re expecting a benefit payment next month, note that the upcoming bank holidays could affect your usual payment date.
- In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the bank holiday on Monday, August 25, 2025, will cause benefit payments due on that date to be issued earlier, on Friday, August 22.
- In Scotland, there’s an additional bank holiday on Monday, August 4, 2025. If you’re due a Child Benefit payment on that date, you’ll likely receive it on Tuesday, August 5, instead.
List of Common Benefit Payments and Their Usual Frequency
Below is a detailed table outlining some of the most common DWP and HMRC benefits and how frequently they’re paid:
| Benefit Type | Typical Payment Frequency |
|---|---|
| Attendance Allowance | Every four weeks |
| Carer’s Allowance | Weekly in advance or every four weeks |
| Child Benefit | Every four weeks (or weekly in special cases) |
| Disability Living Allowance | Every four weeks |
| Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) | Every two weeks |
| Income Support | Every two weeks |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) | Every two weeks |
| Pension Credit | Every four weeks |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Every four weeks |
| State Pension | Every four weeks |
| Tax Credits | Every four weeks or weekly |
| Universal Credit | Monthly |
State Pension Payment Dates Based on NI Number
Your State Pension is usually disbursed every four weeks, and the day of the week it arrives is based on the last two digits of your National Insurance (NI) number:
| NI Number Ending | Payment Day |
|---|---|
| 00 to 19 | Monday |
| 20 to 39 | Tuesday |
| 40 to 59 | Wednesday |
| 60 to 79 | Thursday |
| 80 to 99 | Friday |
What To Do If Your Payment Doesn’t Arrive
If your benefit payment doesn’t arrive as expected, you should contact the appropriate DWP or HMRC helpline. However, remember that helplines are usually closed on bank holidays, so you may need to wait until the next working day.
Helpline Contact Information
Universal Credit:
- Call: 0800 328 9344
- Welsh speakers: 0800 012 1888
- Textphone: 0800 328 1344
Child Benefit:
- Call: 0300 200 3100
- From abroad: +44 161 210 3086
Tax Credits:
- Call: 0345 300 3900
- From abroad: +44 2890 538 192
JSA, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit, ESA:
- Call: 0800 169 0310
- Textphone: 0800 169 0314
- Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 169 0310
With bank holidays in August 2025 approaching, it’s essential to be aware of how these dates can affect your benefit payments.
Whether you’re receiving Universal Credit, State Pension, or Child Benefit, adjusting your expectations and understanding when to expect your payment is crucial.
Keep helpline numbers handy and always check your bank account before assuming a missed payment. Stay informed and prepared to manage your finances efficiently around these changes.
FAQs
Will my benefit payment always come early if there’s a bank holiday?
Yes, if a scheduled payment date falls on a bank holiday, your payment will usually be sent on the last working day before the holiday.
Do these changes apply to Universal Credit as well?
Yes, Universal Credit payments may also be rescheduled to arrive earlier than usual if affected by a bank holiday.
What if I need urgent support and the helpline is closed?
If the helpline is closed, you will have to wait until the next working day. In emergencies, consider contacting local support services or citizens advice bureaus.
