The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that benefit payments due on the August bank holiday will be brought forward. Payments originally scheduled for Monday, August 31 will now be made on Friday, August 28.
This change affects all major benefits, including Universal Credit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance. The early payment ensures that recipients receive their money before the bank holiday weekend.
Reason for the change
Bank holidays can cause payments to be on a different date for people who receive benefits. The DWP says this will provide financial certainty for families as they prepare for the new school year, allowing parents and carers to plan their spending.
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."
Government context
Timms added: "This Government is determined to ensure people up and down the country have the support and breathing room they need, which is why we’ve acted to take money off energy bills, increase the National Minimum Wage and lift half a million children out of poverty, as well as supporting people into good, secure jobs."
The announcement follows the new Prime Minister's plans to tackle the cost of living, including capping bus fares at £2, cutting tax on household energy bills, and ending subscription traps with new "easy to exit" rules.
How to calculate your payment date
If you are paid your benefits monthly, you can calculate your next payment date by counting four weeks forward from your last payment date and seeing if it falls on one of the bank holiday dates. Your payment date will go back to normal following the bank holiday.
The amount you're paid will be exactly the same, and it will be paid into your regular bank account as normal. The only difference is you will need to make your money last longer, as you'll have a slightly bigger wait until your next benefit payment.
