The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent update for millions of benefit claimants across the UK.
Due to the August 2025 Bank Holiday, a wide range of payments – including Universal Credit, State Pension, PIP, Carer’s Allowance, and Child Benefit – will be deposited earlier than usual.
Instead of arriving over the weekend or on Monday, 25 August, these payments will land in accounts on Friday, 22 August 2025. The move is designed to ensure that families, pensioners, and carers do not face delays during the holiday period.
Claimants are urged to check their bank accounts on Friday morning to confirm their money has arrived.
Why the Change Matters
Bank holidays mean government offices and banks are closed. To ensure no one faces a delay, DWP pushes payments to the last working day before the holiday.
This time, that means payments will be deposited three days earlier than expected for those whose usual payday falls between 23–25 August 2025.
For many households, this early payment helps with bills, food, back-to-school costs, and general budgeting. However, it also means there will be a longer gap before the next scheduled payment.
Who Will Be Affected?
Anyone expecting their regular DWP or HMRC benefit between Saturday 23 August and Monday 25 August 2025 will receive it on Friday, 22 August 2025. This affects millions of people, including retirees, families with children, disabled individuals, carers, and jobseekers.
List of the 12 Benefits Impacted
Here are the 12 key benefits impacted by this rescheduling:
| Benefit | Who It Helps | Payment Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit (UC) | Low-income or unemployed individuals and families | Paid early on Friday, 22 Aug |
| State Pension | Retirees over pension age | Paid early on Friday, 22 Aug |
| Child Benefit | Parents and guardians of children | Paid early on Friday, 22 Aug |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Disabled individuals for extra costs | Paid early on Friday, 22 Aug |
| Attendance Allowance | Disabled pension-age individuals | Paid early on Friday, 22 Aug |
| Carer’s Allowance | People caring for someone with disabilities | Paid early on Friday, 22 Aug |
| Disability Living Allowance (DLA) | Some children and adults with disabilities | Paid early on Friday, 22 Aug |
| Pension Credit | Pensioners with low income | Paid early on Friday, 22 Aug |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) | Unemployed individuals actively seeking work | Paid early on Friday, 22 Aug |
| Income Support | Legacy claimants on low incomes | Paid early on Friday, 22 Aug |
| Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) | People with health conditions or disabilities affecting work | Paid early on Friday, 22 Aug |
| Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) | Recently bereaved partners or parents | Paid early on Friday, 22 Aug |
What Claimants Should Do on Friday Morning
On Friday, 22 August 2025, claimants should take the following steps:
- Check your bank account early. Most payments are made in the early hours, but some banks process later.
- Wait until midday. If the payment isn’t visible by then, double-check your usual payday.
- Contact your bank first. They can confirm whether the payment is pending.
- If still missing, contact DWP or HMRC. Use only official numbers and websites.
- Be cautious of scams. DWP will never ask for bank details over text or email.
How Many People Are Affected?
The numbers show the scale of this rescheduled payday:
- 13 million State Pension recipients
- 7.9 million Universal Credit claimants
- 3.7 million receiving PIP
- Hundreds of thousands more on Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Pension Credit, and others
In total, more than 24 million people could be impacted by this one-time shift.
Impact on Scotland
Some benefits, such as Adult Disability Payment and Carer Support Payment, are managed by Social Security Scotland. However, the same rule applies: payments are moved to the working day before a holiday.
Key Dates to Remember
- Original payday window: 23–25 August 2025
- New payday: Friday, 22 August 2025
- When to check your bank: Friday morning, then by midday if still pending
Budgeting Reminder
While the early payment is helpful for the holiday weekend, remember that it will be longer until your next benefit cycle. Households are advised to plan carefully for the gap to avoid financial strain.
The DWP’s move ensures that millions of people get their benefits before the bank holiday, avoiding any disruption. The Friday morning task is simple but vital: check your account, confirm the payment, and budget wisely for the weeks ahead.
By staying alert and prepared, households can manage the bank holiday shift smoothly.
FAQs
Will I get more money because it’s paid early?
No, the amount stays the same. Only the payment date changes.
What should I do if my payment doesn’t arrive on Friday?
First, check with your bank. If still missing by midday, contact DWP or HMRC using official helplines.
Do all benefits move forward for the bank holiday?
Yes, all major benefits and pensions scheduled for 23–25 August are paid early on Friday, 22 August 2025.