State pensioners and other benefit claimants will see their usual payment schedules change this month because of the August bank holiday. Monday, August 31 is a bank holiday, so all payments due on that day will be brought forward to Friday, August 28.
Around 24 million people across the UK claim some combination of DWP-administered benefits, including those receiving a State Pension. The early payment will apply to all major benefits, including Universal Credit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance.
Government confirms early payment date
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,” he added.
Mr Timms also said: “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.”
Planning for the new school year
The government website said the payment date change will provide certainty for families as they prepare for the new school year. It allows parents and carers to plan their spending at a time when the cost of living is high.
The next bank holiday after August 31 is Christmas Day, which falls on Friday, December 25. Boxing Day on December 26 is a Saturday, so a substitute bank holiday has been scheduled for Monday, December 28.
When a bank holiday is scheduled, recipients should keep an eye on DWP updates to avoid missing important information about payment dates.
Upcoming bank holiday dates
For 2026, the remaining bank holidays are Monday, August 31 (Summer bank holiday), Friday, December 25 (Christmas Day), and Monday, December 28 (Boxing Day substitute).
For 2027, the bank holidays are Friday, January 1 (New Year's Day), Friday, March 26 (Good Friday), Monday, March 29 (Easter Monday), Monday, May 3 (Early May bank holiday), Monday, May 31 (Spring bank holiday), Monday, August 30 (Summer bank holiday), Monday, December 27 (Christmas Day substitute), and Tuesday, December 28 (Boxing Day substitute).
