The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that 12 popular benefits will see payment date changes before the end of August 2026, due to the August bank holiday falling on Monday, August 31. Claimants expecting payments on that date will instead receive them on Friday, August 28, 2026, as the DWP typically pays on the preceding working day.
Which benefits are affected?
The changes impact a wide range of welfare payments, including Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and both new and basic State Pension. The full list of 12 benefits affected, as named by the DWP, includes Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Child Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit, PIP, State Pension, Tax Credits, and Universal Credit.
According to the DWP, if your payment date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, you’ll usually be paid on the working day before. This means that for the August 31 bank holiday, payments will be made on Friday, August 28. Payments due on other days will arrive as normal, and the amount you receive will remain unchanged.
Why the change matters
This adjustment means that claimants will have to wait longer between payments, as the next payment after August 28 will be due in September. In the midst of a cost of living crisis, this could put additional financial strain on households, as they may need to stretch their budgets further than usual.
The DWP has stated: “If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday, you’ll usually be paid on the working day before.” This policy is designed to ensure that claimants receive their money before the bank holiday, but it also means that the interval between payments is extended by one day.
Looking ahead to December
Similar changes are expected in December 2026, when Christmas Day (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26) fall on a weekend. The DWP will likely adjust payment dates for those affected, ensuring that payments are made on the preceding working days. Claimants should check their payment schedules and plan accordingly.
For those affected by the August change, it is advisable to check your payment date and ensure you have sufficient funds to cover the extended gap. The DWP advises that if your payment is due on a different day, it will be made as usual, and the amount will not change.
