With the August Bank Holiday just around the corner, benefit recipients across the UK may notice a shift in their usual payment dates. If you receive Universal Credit, Child Benefit, Tax Credits, or other financial support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), you’ll want to keep reading.
Let’s break down what’s changing, who’s affected, and how you can stay on top of your finances during this time.
Schedule
The Summer Bank Holiday for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland falls on Monday, 25 August 2025. Since government departments do not process payments on bank holidays, this will affect the usual delivery of benefits.
Here’s how the payment shift works:
| Usual Payment Date | Revised Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Monday, 25 August | Friday, 22 August |
| Before 22 August | No change |
| After 26 August | Normal schedule |
If your payment was due on Monday, expect it to land in your bank account on the Friday before. But remember, this means a longer gap between payments, so plan ahead to stretch your budget.
Affected
These changes apply to a range of benefits distributed by DWP and HMRC:
- Universal Credit
- Child Benefit
- Tax Credits (Working and Child)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- State Pension
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
What About Scotland?
Scotland does not observe the August Bank Holiday on the same day. Unless your payment date falls on a weekend, you likely won’t see any change. If you’re unsure, check your benefit portal or contact your local benefit office.
Frequency
If you’re new to the system or need a reminder, here’s how often each benefit is typically paid:
| Benefit | Payment Frequency |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Monthly |
| Child Benefit | Every 4 weeks |
| Tax Credits | Weekly or every 4 weeks |
| Employment and Support Allowance | Every 2 weeks |
| Personal Independence Payment | Every 4 weeks |
| Disability Living Allowance | Every 4 weeks |
| Carer’s Allowance | Weekly or every 4 weeks |
| State Pension | Every 4 weeks |
| Pension Credit | Every 4 weeks |
| Income Support | Every 2 weeks |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance | Every 2 weeks |
Issues
If your payment hasn’t arrived by midday on Friday, 22 August, don’t wait until Monday. Here’s what you should do:
- Check your bank account and your benefit portal (like your Universal Credit journal).
- Double-check that your banking details are correct.
- Call the relevant department:
- Universal Credit & DWP: 0800 328 5644
- Child Benefit: 0300 200 3100
- Tax Credits: 0345 300 3900
Helplines are closed on bank holidays and weekends, so act quickly on Friday morning if anything’s wrong.
Tips
Even though getting your money early might feel like a bonus, it means a longer stretch until your next payment. To avoid falling short, consider:
- Setting a spending limit for the weekend
- Prioritizing essential payments (rent, food, utilities)
- Using budgeting apps to track expenses
Being prepared is the best way to stay financially stable during the change.
With the August 2025 bank holiday on the horizon, it’s smart to double-check your expected payment dates and plan your spending accordingly.
While the amounts won’t change, the timing will—and being caught off guard could lead to stress or missed bills. A quick check now can save you a lot of hassle later.
FAQs
Will I get paid early in August 2025?
Yes, if your benefit is due on 25 August, you’ll be paid on 22 August.
Will my payment amount change?
No, only the date will shift—your amount stays the same.
Does Scotland follow the same payment change?
No, unless your payment date falls on a weekend.
What if my payment is late?
Check your bank and portal, then call DWP or HMRC on 22 August.
How can I prepare for the longer gap?
Plan your spending in advance and use budgeting tools.
