The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to implement changes for Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants due to the upcoming August Bank Holiday. The bank holiday, scheduled for Monday, August 26, will affect payment dates in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. According to official government advice, “Benefits are usually paid straight into your bank, building society, or credit union account.
If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday, you’ll usually be paid on the working day before.”
The guidelines further state, “After the first payment, you’ll be paid on the same date every month. If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday, you’ll be paid on the working day before. You can see your monthly statement in your online account.
This tells you how much Universal Credit you’re going to get.”
Claimants can also request an Alternative Payment Arrangement (APA) if they need help managing a single monthly payment by contacting the Universal Credit helpline.
bank holiday payment adjustments
The next bank holidays will occur on December 25 and 26 for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
In 2025, bank holidays will include January 1, April 18 (Good Friday), April 21 (Easter Monday), May 5, and May 26 (early and late May bank holidays). Benefit recipients are advised to monitor their bank accounts and budget carefully, as the early payment means having to stretch funds further into September until the next regular payment date. Andy Wood from the DWP explained, “In light of the upcoming Bank Holiday on August 26, many people receiving benefits can expect their payments to arrive earlier than usual.
This adjustment lets people pay their bills on time and avoid any financial stress. Early payments are a routine practice for Bank Holidays, offering stability and predictability for those receiving benefits.”
HMRC has confirmed that Child Benefit and Tax Credits scheduled for Monday, August 26, will be paid on Friday, August 23. The DWP is expected to follow a similar adjustment for benefits such as State Pension, Universal Credit, PIP, and Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Payments affected by the bank holiday include Universal Credit, Child Benefit, PIP, Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit, State Pension, and Tax Credits.
- DailyStar.”First DWP Universal Credit and PIP change under Labour expected ‘in two weeks'”.
- BirminghamMail.”Universal Credit, PIP and Pension Credit claimants alerted to ‘surprise’ August payment”.
- BristolPost.”Upcoming changes to DWP and HMRC benefit payment dates in August”.