August Bank Holiday Benefits Payment Arrives Early
If you’re claiming benefits, heads up! Payments due on the August bank holiday won’t arrive on the usual date. Instead, expect your cash up to three days early. For example, if your payment is due Monday, August 29, the money will hit your account on Friday, August 26.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) usually pays early to make sure no one runs out of money over the long weekend. While that sounds handy, it means you’ll need to stretch your payment further until the next one lands.
Cost of Living Help Hits Millions
The early payments come amid soaring living costs. The DWP has already sent out the first instalment of the £650 cost of living payment to over 7.2 million UK households. This includes extra support for pensioners and disabled people, like a £400 energy bill grant, a £150 disability payment, and an extra £300 for pensioner homes.
More changes are on the horizon. Payments scheduled around Christmas dates of December 26, 27, and 28 will also see timing tweaks later this year.
When and How Often You Get Paid
Benefit payment schedules depend on the type of benefit you receive:
- Universal Credit: Paid monthly on the same date.
- Tax Credits: Usually every four weeks or weekly.
- Child Benefit: Every four weeks, usually Mondays or Tuesdays.
- Attendance Allowance: Every four weeks.
- Carer’s Allowance: Weekly or every four weeks.
- Disability Living Allowance: Every four weeks.
- Employment and Support Allowance: Every two weeks.
- Income Support: Every two weeks.
- Jobseeker’s Allowance: Every two weeks.
- Pension Credit: Every four weeks.
- Personal Independence Payment: Every four weeks.
- State Pension: Every four weeks.
What To Do If Your Payment Is Late
If your payment doesn’t land when expected, first check your award notice and bank to confirm the date. If all looks right but no cash has arrived, contact the relevant helpline. Bear in mind, helplines might be closed on bank holidays.
- Universal Credit Helpline: 0800 328 9344 (free call) 0800 012 1888 (Welsh speakers) 0800 328 1344 (textphone)
- Child Support Helpline: 0300 200 3100 From outside UK: +44 161 210 3086
