DWP and HMRC benefit payment date changes taking place this month

Those who claim payments from either the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) may see their payment dates change this month.

It comes as a result of a bank holiday taking place on Monday, August 26, for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. HMRC has confirmed that Child Benefit and Tax Credits due on this date will be deposited into bank accounts on Friday, August 23.

It is anticipated that the DWP will announce similar changes to the scheduled payment dates for State Pension and benefits including Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA. In its official guidance, the DWP states: "Universal Credit is paid once a month, usually into your bank, building society or credit union account.

"Your payment can include money for your rent or other housing costs. You'll usually need to pay this to your landlord. If you're not able to open a bank, building society or credit union account, call the Universal Credit helpline to arrange a different way of getting paid."

It adds: "After the first payment, you'll be paid on the same date of every month. If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday, you'll be paid on the working day before. You can see your monthly statement in your online account. This tells you how much Universal Credit you're going to get.

"You can ask to have your Universal Credit paid differently if you need help managing a single monthly payment. This is called an Alternative Payment Arrangement (APA)."

State Pension and DWP benefit payments are typically made when offices and phone lines are open. On recognised bank holidays when these communication channels are closed, payments are made on the first working day prior to the