The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that benefit payments due on the August bank holiday will be paid early, with claimants receiving their cash on Friday 28 August. The change affects all major benefits, including Carer's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA).
Early payment arrangement for August bank holiday
DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms said: "We're pleased to confirm that benefit payments due on the August bank holiday will be paid earlier. This will help ensure families and older people receive their money without disruption over the bank holiday period."
The early payment applies to a full list of benefits: Universal Credit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit, Employment Support Allowance, and Industrial Injuries Compensation Scheme.
Government actions to support claimants
Sir Stephen added: "This Government is determined to ensure people up and down the country have the support and breathing room they need, which is why we've acted to take money off energy bills, increase the National Minimum Wage and lift half a million children out of poverty, as well as supporting people into good, secure jobs."
The announcement comes as the latest DWP figures show changes in claimant numbers. The number of people receiving the State Pension increased by 1.9% to 13.2 million. Meanwhile, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) fell by 33.1% to 1 million claimants, and Jobseeker's Allowance fell by 24% to 71,000 claimants.
Claimant statistics and impact
Housing Benefit fell by 25.6% to 1.5 million claims. According to DWP statistics, 24.3 million people claimed some combination of DWP benefits at August 2025, of the 16 benefits included in these statistics. Of these, 13.4 million were of State Pension Age, including those in receipt of their State Pension.
The early payment arrangement is designed to ensure that claimants receive their money before the bank holiday weekend, avoiding any disruption to their finances. This change will provide reassurance to millions of benefit recipients across the country.
