Millions of UK benefit recipients should prepare for a change in their payment dates this month due to the August Bank Holiday, which falls on Monday, August 25, 2025. Similar to the calendar in 2024, this year includes eight official bank holidays across England and Wales.
Why Are Payment Dates Changing?
When a bank holiday lands on a weekend, the following weekday is designated as a substitute holiday, typically the next Monday. On such holidays, many government services — including benefit offices, Jobcentres, and banks — are closed. As a result, scheduled payments are processed earlier than usual.
New Benefit Payment Date
If your regular benefit payment is due on August 25, it will now be paid early on Friday, August 22.
Who Will Be Affected?
A wide range of benefit claimants could see changes in their payment schedules, including those receiving:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Example: Universal Credit Recipients
If you are single and over 25, you typically receive £400.14 per month through Universal Credit, and this will be deposited early if due on the bank holiday.
Understanding State Pension Payments
The Basic State Pension is typically transferred every four weeks directly into your bank account. The day of the week your payment is issued depends 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 |
If your scheduled pension date falls on the August bank holiday, your payment will be moved up to Friday, August 22.
Plan Accordingly – Payments Come Early
Because payments will arrive earlier than usual, recipients must manage their finances carefully as the funds will need to stretch over a longer period until the next payment cycle.
What To Do If You Don’t Receive Your Payment
If your payment has not arrived as expected, you should contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) at 0800 328 5644. Keep in mind, however, that DWP offices will be closed on the bank holiday but open before and after the holiday weekend.
As the August Bank Holiday approaches, it’s essential for all benefit claimants in the UK to be aware of changes to their payment schedule. The early disbursement on August 22 is intended to ensure that recipients are not financially disrupted during the closure of government services.
If you’re expecting a payment, make sure you plan your budget accordingly and reach out to DWP if you face any issues. Staying informed can help prevent unnecessary stress or delays in accessing your benefits.
FAQs
Will everyone receive their payment early in August 2025?
Only those whose benefits are scheduled for Monday, August 25, will receive them early on Friday, August 22 due to the bank holiday.
Do State Pension payments always change with bank holidays?
Yes, State Pension payments are also moved forward if their due date falls on a bank holiday, just like other benefits.
What if my payment doesn’t arrive early as expected?
You should contact the DWP at 0800 328 5644. Note that their offices are closed on bank holidays but open before and after.