Thousands of Universal Credit recipients and other benefit claimants are being encouraged to check their bank accounts today as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued early payments ahead of the upcoming bank holiday.
The DWP has officially announced that benefits scheduled for Monday, August 25, 2025, will be disbursed early on Friday, August 22, due to the August bank holiday. This adjustment ensures timely financial support for millions of households across the UK.
Which Benefits Are Paid Early?
The early payment scheme isn’t limited to Universal Credit. It also applies to a broad range of other DWP and HMRC-administered benefits, including:
- Child Benefit
- State Pension
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
This temporary change is especially helpful for families preparing for the new school year, ensuring that vital funds are available without delay.
Why It Matters for Families
According to Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability:
“We know how much families rely on these payments, and by bringing them forward ahead of the bank holiday we’re ensuring no one has to worry about whether their support will be there when they need it most. This is what our Plan for Change is all about — putting working families and the most vulnerable first.”
However, beneficiaries are reminded that although they’re receiving their payments early, the next scheduled payment will follow the normal timeline, which may create a longer-than-usual gap between disbursements.
Usual Benefit Payment Frequencies
Knowing when your regular payments are due can help with budgeting, especially when payments are shifted. Here is a breakdown of standard benefit payment schedules:
| Benefit Type | Typical Payment Frequency |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Monthly on the same day each month |
| Tax Credits (via HMRC) | Every four weeks or weekly |
| Child Benefit | Every four weeks (or weekly for single parents/low income) |
| State Pension | Every four weeks |
| Personal Independence Payment | Every four weeks |
| Disability Living Allowance | Every four weeks |
| Attendance Allowance | Every four weeks |
| Carer’s Allowance | Weekly or every four weeks |
| Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) | Every two weeks |
| Income Support | Every two weeks |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance | Every two weeks |
| Pension Credit | Every four weeks |
Didn’t Get Paid? Here’s What to Do
If your expected benefit payment hasn’t appeared, follow these steps:
- Check your award letter or notice for the expected date.
- Verify your bank account for any recent credits.
- If no payment has arrived and it’s past the expected date, contact the relevant department (but remember, most helplines are closed on bank holidays).
Contact Numbers to Use
| Benefit Type | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | 0800 328 9344 |
| Welsh Language UC | 0800 012 1888 |
| Textphone UC | 0800 328 1344 |
| Child Benefit | 0300 200 3100 |
| Outside UK (Child Benefit) | +44 161 210 3086 |
| Tax Credits (HMRC) | 0345 300 3900 |
| Outside UK (Tax Credits) | +44 2890 538 192 |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance, ESA, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit | 0800 169 0310 |
| Textphone (above services) | 0800 169 0314 |
| Relay UK | 18001 then 0800 169 0310 |
With the August bank holiday affecting regular benefit payment schedules, the DWP has taken proactive steps to ensure financial continuity for millions of claimants.
Whether you’re on Universal Credit, Child Benefit, or another form of government support, this early disbursement ensures that families don’t face cash shortages during this critical back-to-school period.
However, claimants should be mindful that the next regular payment could be further away than usual, making smart budgeting essential.
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