The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will be sending unexpected payments of up to £952 to state pensioners claiming Pension Credit before September.
The payments will be disrupted this month due to the late summer bank holiday on Monday, August 31, with claimants expecting to be paid on this date instead due to be paid early. The DWP has today (August 14) confirmed that Pension Credit payments due on the bank holiday will be paid three days early on Friday, August 28, giving claimants peace of mind that they will receive the essential financial support ahead of the long bank holiday weekend.
Pension Credit can be claimed by people of State Pension age and on a low income in England, Scotland or Wales, and while Scotland has already had its summer bank holiday, the early payments will still apply to claimants in this part of the UK.
The DWP has confirmed that early payments will apply across the entire UK as Scotland follows the same principle, despite different bank holiday arrangements.
Minister for Social Security and Disability 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.”
In the 2026 to 2027 tax year, Pension Credit can top up your weekly income to £238 if you’re single and as it’s paid by the DWP every four weeks, claimants entitled to the full amount can get up to £952 in each four-week payment period.
As such, if you’re due to receive a payment of up to £952 on the bank holiday on August 31, this amount will instead land in your account early on Friday, August 28.
The date that Pension Credit is paid is based on the assessment and award dates, and as it is paid separately to the State Pension, payments may be made on different dates for some claimants.
If your Pension Credit payment date is changing due to the August 31 bank holiday, you don’t need to do anything as your money will be paid straight into your usual bank, building society or credit union account.
The early payments this month will also apply to all other major DWP benefits, including the State Pension, Attendance Allowance and Universal Credit.
The DWP added: “Millions of people will receive essential financial support before the August bank holiday weekend, as the Government has confirmed that benefit payments will be brought forward to Friday 28 August.
“The early payment arrangement will apply to all major benefits including Universal Credit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance, ensuring that payments originally scheduled for 31st August reach recipients on time.
“This will provide financial certainty for families as they prepare for the new school year, allowing parents and carers to plan their spending with confidence, particularly at a time when the cost of living is high.”
