In August 2025, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will implement several changes to the payment schedules of benefits due to upcoming bank holidays. These adjustments are important for recipients of various benefits, including Universal Credit, as payment dates may shift. For example, certain payments that would normally be made on bank holidays will instead be issued on the preceding working day.
According to DevonLive, individuals must pay close attention to these changes to avoid confusion about when to expect their payments. This guide provides the key information you need to understand how these changes could affect your benefits.
Bank Holidays Impacting Payments
For most people receiving benefits from the DWP or HMRC, the timing of payments may change due to the bank holidays. A key change to note:
- Monday, August 25: The standard payment date will shift to the previous working day, Friday, August 22.
- For Scotland, there will be an additional bank holiday on Monday, August 4, which will affect payments. If Child Benefit is due on that day, the payment will be made the following day, Tuesday, August 5.
More than 20 Million People Affected
Over 20 million people in the UK receive some form of benefit payment from the DWP or HMRC. If you’re expecting a benefit payment in August 2025, it’s crucial to be aware of these changes, especially as certain dates may shift due to the bank holidays.
Overview of DWP and HMRC Benefits Payment Schedule
Here are the regular payment schedules for some of the most common benefits, with a note on the frequency of payments:
- Attendance Allowance: Every four weeks
- Carer’s Allowance: Weekly in advance or every four weeks
- Child Benefit: Every four weeks (or weekly if you’re a single parent or qualify for certain benefits)
- Disability Living Allowance: Every four weeks
- Employment and Support Allowance: Every two weeks
- Income Support: Every two weeks
- Jobseeker’s Allowance: Every two weeks
- Pension Credit: Every four weeks
- Personal Independence Payment: Every four weeks
- State Pension: Every four weeks
- Tax Credits: Every four weeks or weekly
- Universal Credit: Monthly
State Pension Payment Dates
The timing of your State Pension depends on the last two digits of your National Insurance number. Here’s the breakdown:
- 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 payment is delayed, be sure to contact the relevant helpline for assistance. Keep in mind that these helplines may not be open on bank holidays. If your payment is delayed, you may need to wait until the next working day to resolve the issue. Here are the important contact numbers for your convenience:
- Universal Credit: Call 0800 328 9344 (Textphone: 0800 328 1344)
- Child Benefit: Call 0300 200 3100 (Outside UK: +44 161 210 3086)
- Tax Credits: Call 0345 300 3900 (Outside UK: +44 2890 538 192)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance: Call 0800 169 0310 (Textphone: 0800 169 0314)
For those with special needs, the DWP also provides additional contact methods, including a Relay UK service for those who are deaf or have speech difficulties.
