DWP confirms August 2025 benefit payment dates as thousands to get state pension paid early

Anyone due to receive benefits or state pension payments on August 25 - the summer bank holiday - will instead be paid on Friday August 22.

This includes most major benefits such as Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and state pension.

The Government website states: "How and when your benefits are paid 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 Child Benefit."

Payments due over the weekend August 23 and 24, will also be issued on August 22, as is standard when payment dates fall on a non-working day.

This early payment schedule is automatic and does not affect the amount one may receive.

However, it means a longer gap before the next scheduled payment, which could make budgeting harder during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

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For example, if someone is usually paid on the 25th of each month, their August payment will arrive three days early, but their September payment will still land around the 25th, creating an extended stretch in between.

This time gap, while small on paper, can put added pressure on households already stretched thin.

Recipients are advised to plan ahead to make sure their money lasts the full month.

Benefits affected by the bank holiday include:

• Universal Credit
• State pension
• Pension credit
• Child benefit
• Disability living allowance
• Personal independence payment (PIP)
• Attendance allowance
• Carer’s allowance
• Employment support allowance
• Income support
• Jobseeker’s allowance

Those struggling to manage may be eligible for a budgeting advance.

This is an interest-free loan available through Universal Credit, offering between £348 and £812 depending on personal circumstances. Repayments are taken directly from future benefit payments.

Extra help is also available through the Household Support Fund, which has been extended until March 2026.

Support varies by council, some offer supermarket or energy vouchers, while others work with local charities to provide food, heating, or other essentials.

Families on free school meals may receive extra help during the summer holidays.

Aside from the August bank holiday, most benefit and pension payments will continue on their usual dates.

Looking ahead, the next bank holiday to affect DWP payments will be in December. Any payments due on December 25 or 26 will be paid early on December 24.