Britons on Universal Credit and PIP will receive a welcome Bank Holiday boost this month, and wake up to an “unexpected” payment in their bank accounts next week.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will trigger an early payout of benefits this month due to the late August Bank Holiday Monday on the 26th of August.
The bank holiday means that banks will not process benefits scheduled for that date, leading the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to make some payments slightly earlier than scheduled.
The DWP said: “Benefits are usually paid straight into your bank, building society or credit union account. If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday you’ll usually be paid on the working day before.
“This may be different for tax credits and Child Benefit. You’ll be asked for bank, building society or credit union account details when you claim.
“You can only get paid in a different way if you have problems opening or managing an account. If you cannot open or manage a bank, building society or credit union account, contact the office that pays your benefit to find out how to get it paid.
“If you receive Universal Credit, call the Universal Credit helpline. You can repay benefits and allowances you get but feel you do not need. Write to the department that paid the benefit. Their address will be on any letter you’ve received from them.”
A similar early payout took place in May ahead of the early May Bank Holiday, meaning claimants received their Universal Credit and PIP four days earlier than expected.
The August bank holiday is the final bank holiday of the summer months, meaning it will be the final early payout for complaints
The next major UK bank holiday after August is Christmas and New Year in December.
Bank holidays in 2025, which could trigger early payments next year, include:
- January 1 (New Year’s Day)
- April 18 (Good Friday)
- April 21 (Easter Monday)
- May 5 (Early May bank holiday)
- May 26 (Spring bank holiday)
- August 25 (Summer bank holiday)
- December 25 (Christmas Day)
- December 26 (Boxing Day)
