The August 2025 Bank Holiday is just around the corner, and it’s important for people who receive benefits, State Pension, or cost-of-living support to know how it will affect their payment dates. In the UK, when a scheduled payment falls on a bank holiday, it’s usually paid earlier than normal.
This year, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will have their Summer Bank Holiday on Monday, 25 August 2025, while Scotland will observe it earlier on Monday, 4 August 2025.
Understanding these date changes can help you manage your money and avoid any financial gaps during the holiday period.
Why Payment Dates Change
Government departments like the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) and HMRC (HM Revenue & Customs) cannot process payments on bank holidays or weekends.
Therefore, when a payment date falls on one of these days, it is rescheduled to the nearest working day—most often before the holiday.
This applies to:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Tax Credits
- Child Benefit
Bank Holiday Dates in August 2025
Here’s how the August 2025 Bank Holidays fall:
- Scotland: Monday, 4 August 2025
- England, Wales, Northern Ireland: Monday, 25 August 2025
If your payment is due on either of these dates (or the weekend before them), it will likely be paid earlier.
August 2025 Early Payment Schedule
Region | Bank Holiday Date | If Payment Is Due On | New Payment Date | Applies To |
---|---|---|---|---|
England, Wales, NI | Mon 25 Aug 2025 | Sat 23 Aug, Sun 24 Aug, Mon 25 Aug | Fri 22 Aug 2025 | All DWP/HMRC benefits & pensions |
Scotland | Mon 4 Aug 2025 | Sat 2 Aug, Sun 3 Aug, Mon 4 Aug | Fri 1 Aug 2025 | All DWP benefits & pensions (except Child Benefit) |
Scotland – Child Benefit | Mon 4 Aug 2025 | Mon 4 Aug | Tue 5 Aug 2025 | Child Benefit only |
England, Wales, NI – Child Benefit | Mon 25 Aug 2025 | Mon 25 Aug | Fri 22 Aug 2025 | Child Benefit |
State Pension Payment Rules
State Pension payment dates are set based on the last two digits of your National Insurance number. For example:
- Digits 00 to 19 → Paid on Monday
- Digits 20 to 39 → Paid on Tuesday
- Digits 40 to 59 → Paid on Wednesday
- Digits 60 to 79 → Paid on Thursday
- Digits 80 to 99 → Paid on Friday
If your usual pension payday is Monday and it falls on a bank holiday, you will get it on the working day before.
Universal Credit Payments
Universal Credit is normally paid monthly on the same date. If your payment date lands on a bank holiday, you’ll receive it early. For August 2025:
- England, Wales, NI: Payments due 25 Aug → Paid 22 Aug
- Scotland: Payments due 4 Aug → Paid 1 Aug
Child Benefit Changes
Child Benefit is usually paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. The dates change slightly around bank holidays:
- In Scotland: Due on 4 Aug → Paid on 5 Aug (the next working day, not earlier)
- In England, Wales, NI: Due on 25 Aug → Paid on 22 Aug (earlier)
No National Cost of Living Payments in August 2025
In 2025, there are no scheduled national Cost of Living payments like those seen in 2022–2024. However, local councils may still offer Household Support Fund or other schemes to help with rising costs. If you’re struggling, check your council’s website for extra help.
Budgeting Tips for Early Payments
Getting paid earlier might sound like a good thing, but it also means a longer gap until your next payment. Here’s how to stay on track:
- Plan ahead for essential bills
- Avoid overspending during the holiday weekend
- Keep aside money for the extra days before your next payment
Key Takeaways
- England, Wales, NI Bank Holiday: Monday 25 Aug 2025
- Scotland Bank Holiday: Monday 4 Aug 2025
- Most payments move to the previous working day
- Scotland’s Child Benefit is paid the day after the holiday
The August 2025 Bank Holiday will cause many benefits, State Pension, and Child Benefit payments to be made earlier than usual. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will see payments due on 25 August moved to Friday 22 August.
In Scotland, most payments due on 4 August will arrive on Friday 1 August, but Child Benefit will be paid on Tuesday 5 August.
Knowing these changes ahead of time helps you budget wisely and avoid surprises. While there are no new national Cost of Living payments in August 2025, you can still check for local council support to help with rising costs.
Stay informed, plan your spending, and you’ll enjoy a smooth, stress-free holiday period.
FAQs
Which payments are affected by the August 2025 Bank Holiday?
All DWP and HMRC benefits, including Universal Credit, State Pension, PIP, Carer’s Allowance, Tax Credits, and Child Benefit.
Will my payment amount change because of the holiday?
No, only the payment date changes. The amount stays the same unless your claim details have changed.
Are there any Cost of Living payments in August 2025?
No national Cost of Living payments are scheduled. However, local councils may still offer support schemes.