Over 20 million people in the UK receive benefit payments each month from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HMRC. If you are one of them, it’s crucial to be aware that August 2025 brings a shift in payment dates due to bank holidays.
How August Bank Holidays Impact Your Benefits
The UK bank holiday scheduled for Monday, August 25, 2025, will affect the usual timing of benefit disbursements. If your payment is scheduled for this date, it will arrive earlier, typically on the last working day before the holiday, which is Friday, August 22.
In Scotland, an additional bank holiday falls on Monday, August 4. This will similarly influence payment schedules, especially for those receiving Child Benefit. If this applies to you, expect your payment to be delayed until Tuesday, August 5.
Benefit Payment Frequencies in August
Here’s a breakdown of common UK benefits and how frequently they are typically paid:
| Benefit | 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 some cases) |
| 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 | Weekly or every four weeks |
| Universal Credit | Monthly |
State Pension Payments: Which Day Will You Be Paid?
Your state pension day is determined by the last two digits of your National Insurance number. The DWP follows this schedule for distributing state pensions, which are typically sent out every four weeks:
- 00 to 19: Monday
- 20 to 39: Tuesday
- 40 to 59: Wednesday
- 60 to 79: Thursday
- 80 to 99: Friday
Missed a Payment? Here’s What to Do
If your benefit payment is delayed, contact the appropriate helpline. Be mindful that most DWP and HMRC lines are closed on bank holidays, so you may need to wait until the next working day to resolve the issue.
Key Helpline Numbers
- Universal Credit:
- Phone: 0800 328 9344
- Welsh Language: 0800 012 1888
- Textphone: 0800 328 1344
- Child Benefit:
- Phone: 0300 200 3100
- Outside the UK: +44 161 210 3086
- Tax Credits:
- HMRC Contact: 0345 300 3900
- Outside the UK: +44 2890 538 192
- Jobseeker’s Allowance / Income Support / ESA:
- Phone: 0800 169 0310
- Textphone: 0800 169 0314
- Relay UK: Dial 18001, then 0800 169 0310
If you’re expecting a DWP or HMRC payment in August 2025, make sure you’re aware of the bank holiday schedule, which can change your benefit arrival date. With over 20 million individuals depending on these payments, keeping track of any adjustments is vital for managing your finances.
Whether you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Child Benefit, planning around these dates will help ensure that you’re never caught off guard by a late payment.
FAQs
Will I receive my benefit earlier if my payment date falls on a bank holiday?
Yes, you will typically receive your payment on the previous working day if your scheduled date lands on a bank holiday.
What happens if I don’t receive my payment on the adjusted date?
If your benefit is missing, contact the relevant helpline. However, note that these lines may be closed on bank holidays, so you may need to wait until the next business day.
Does the same bank holiday rule apply in Scotland?
Yes, but Scotland has an additional bank holiday on August 4, 2025, which could affect Scottish residents’ payment dates, especially for Child Benefit.