Thousands of benefit claimants could see their payments arrive early this week because of the August bank holiday.
If you are due to be paid next Monday (August 29) then your money should land in your account this Friday (August 26).
Being paid earlier than expected might 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. Make sure to factor this into your budget for September.
Here is everything you need to know about what the August bank holiday means for your benefits:
Does the bank holiday affect your benefits? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@reachplc.com
How will the August bank holiday affect my benefits?
If you are due to be paid early, the amount you should receive in benefits won’t change.
You will also be paid into your regular bank, building society or credit union account as normal.
The money should come into your account automatically. You won’t need to contact your Jobcentre or benefit office.
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 you don't get your benefit payment, first check double-check the date on your award notice - and then your bank account.
If you've got the right date, and the money isn't there, you should contact the relevant helpline.
Do keep in mind these are unlikely to be open on bank holidays.
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 HMRC 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
