The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that state pensioners receiving Attendance Allowance, a benefit worth up to £114.60 per week for those with certain conditions, will have their payments brought forward three days early in August due to the bank holiday.
Payments that would normally be made on Monday, August 31, will instead be issued on Friday, August 28. This applies to all major benefits, including state pension, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance.
Who Qualifies for the £114 Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a pension-age benefit for individuals who need help with daily living tasks such as washing, eating, and dressing. To qualify, applicants must have needed help or supervision for at least six consecutive months, whether or not they actually received that help.
According to money expert Martin Lewis, the benefit is commonly given to people with Parkinson's, dementia, terminal illness, blindness, and learning difficulties. It is paid at two rates: £76.70 for the lower rate and £114.60 for the higher rate.
Early Payments Across the UK
The DWP confirmed that early payments apply across the entire UK, including Scotland, even though Scotland has different bank holidays. The full list of affected benefits includes Universal Credit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit, Employment Support Allowance, and Industrial Injuries Compensation Scheme.
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: “We’re pleased to confirm that benefit payments due on the August bank holiday will be paid earlier. This will help ensure families and older people receive their money without disruption over the bank holiday period.”
The Government stressed that the early payments are part of broader efforts to support households, including capping bus fares at £2, cutting tax on household energy bills, and ending subscription traps with new “easy to exit” rules.
The DWP added: "This will provide financial certainty for families as they prepare for the new school year, allowing parents and carers to plan their spending with confidence, particularly at a time when the cost of living is high."
