Households claiming benefits including Universal Credit might end up being paid earlier than expected next month.
There is a bank holiday on Monday, August 28, for people living in England and Wales.
In Scotland, the summer bank holiday is slightly earlier on Monday, August 7.
If you are due a benefit payment on these dates, it is likely you will receive your money earlier than normal.
This is because benefits are not normally paid on a bank holiday.
Being paid early may seem like a good thing - but it does mean you’ll need to make your money last longer.
This is because you’ll have a longer wait until your next benefit payment.
Benefit payment date for August bank holiday
If you are due to be paid on Monday, August 28, then you will likely be paid the previous working day, so Friday, August 25.
For people in Scotland due to be paid on Monday, August 7, your benefits will likely hit your account on Friday, August 4.
If you're due to be paid on a different day, you won't need to do anything - the money will be paid into your account as normal.
The amount you'll be paid will also remain the same.
The next major UK bank holiday after August will be Christmas and New Year in December.
When are benefits normally paid?
How often you get paid your benefit depends on what type of support you claim.
For example, you’ll get paid Universal Credit on the same day each month, while Tax Credits are typically paid every four weeks or weekly.
Child Benefit is usually every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday.
See the full list of how often certain benefits are paid below:
Attendance Allowance - Usually every four weeks
Carer’s Allowance - Weekly in advance or every four weeks
Child Benefit - Usually every four weeks, or weekly if you’re a single parent or you or your partner get certain benefits
Disability Living Allowance - Usually every four weeks
Employment and Support Allowance - Usually every two weeks
Income Support - Usually every two weeks
Jobseeker’s Allowance - Usually every two weeks
Pension Credit - Usually every four weeks
Personal Independence Payment - Usually every four weeks
State Pension - Usually every four weeks
Tax credits - Every four weeks or weekly
Universal Credit - Every month
What if I don't get paid?
If your expecting a payment and it doesn't arrive, you should contact the relevant helpline.
Do keep in mind Jobcentres and phone lines will be closed on all three bank holidays, so you'll need to call after these days.
Universal Credit:
Call for free: 0800 328 9344
Welsh speaking: 0800 012 1888
Textphone: 0800 328 1344
Child benefit:
Call for free: 0300 200 3100
Outside UK: +44 161 210 3086
Tax credits:
Call for free: 0345 300 3900
From outside the UK: +44 2890 538 192
Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit and Employment and Support Allowance:
Call for free: 0800 169 0310
Textphone: 0800 169 0314
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 169 0310
