More than 20 million people across the UK receive benefit or pension payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). These payments cover essential living costs, childcare, care needs, and retirement income.
However, with two bank holidays falling in August 2025, some payment dates will change. This means claimants should check when their money will be paid and plan their finances accordingly.
Bank Holiday Impact
Two key bank holidays in August will affect when benefits are paid:
- Monday, 4 August (Scotland only): If your Child Benefit was due on this date, you will receive it on Tuesday, 5 August.
- Monday, 25 August (England and Wales): Payments due on this day will instead be made on Friday, 22 August.
Payments due on other dates should arrive as normal.
Benefit Payment Frequency
Here’s how often common DWP and HMRC benefits are usually paid:
| Benefit | Payment Frequency |
|---|---|
| Attendance Allowance | Every 4 weeks |
| Carer’s Allowance | Weekly or every 4 weeks |
| Child Benefit | Every 4 weeks (weekly for single parents) |
| Disability Living Allowance (DLA) | Every 4 weeks |
| Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) | Every 2 weeks |
| Income Support | Every 2 weeks |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) | Every 2 weeks |
| Pension Credit | Every 4 weeks |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Every 4 weeks |
| State Pension | Every 4 weeks |
| Tax Credits | Weekly or every 4 weeks |
| Universal Credit | Monthly |
If your due date falls on a bank holiday, you will usually be paid on the last working day before it.
State Pension Schedule
The State Pension is paid once every four weeks, with the exact day depending on the last two digits of your National Insurance number:
| NI Number Ending | Payment Day |
|---|---|
| 00–19 | Monday |
| 20–39 | Tuesday |
| 40–59 | Wednesday |
| 60–79 | Thursday |
| 80–99 | Friday |
If your scheduled date falls on a bank holiday, you will be paid earlier.
What to Do if Payment is Missing
If your payment does not arrive on time, don’t panic. First, check your bank account and card details are correct and up to date. If there is still an issue, you may need to contact the relevant department.
Here are key helplines:
- Universal Credit: 0800 328 9344 (textphone: 0800 328 1344)
- Child Benefit: 0300 200 3100 (from abroad: +44 161 210 3086)
- Tax Credits: 0345 300 3900 (from abroad: +44 2890 538 192)
- JSA, ESA, Income Support: 0800 169 0310 (textphone: 0800 169 0314)
Keep in mind most helplines are closed on bank holidays, so you may need to wait until the next working day.
Staying Prepared
- Check benefit dates ahead of bank holidays.
- Keep your bank account information up to date.
- Stay connected to official DWP updates to avoid confusion.
By planning ahead, you can ensure your benefit or pension payment arrives on time and avoid financial stress over the August bank holidays.
FAQs
When will DWP benefits be paid in August 2025?
Payments due on 25 August will be made on 22 August.
Does Scotland have a different payment date?
Yes, payments due 4 August move to 5 August.
How often is Universal Credit paid?
Universal Credit is paid once a month.
What day is my State Pension paid?
It depends on the last two digits of your NI number.
What if my benefit is late?
Check details and call the DWP helpline if needed.
