
Universal Credit payment dates can be affected by bank holidays, so it's essential to know how they impact your payments. Universal Credit payments are usually made on Mondays, but this can change on bank holidays.
If a bank holiday falls on a Monday, your payment will be made on the Tuesday instead. This is a standard rule that applies to all Universal Credit payments.
You can check the GOV.UK website for a list of upcoming bank holidays and how they might affect your Universal Credit payments. It's always a good idea to double-check your payment dates to avoid any confusion.
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Universal Credit Payment Dates
Universal Credit payments are usually made on a specific date each month, but bank holidays can affect the payment schedule. This can be confusing, especially if you're not sure when your payment will arrive.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that Universal Credit payments due on bank holidays will be made on the previous working day. For example, if your payment date falls on a bank holiday, you'll receive the cash on the Thursday before.
On a similar theme: Mexico Bank Holidays
If your payment date falls on a weekend, you'll also receive the cash on the Thursday before. This is because benefits are not paid on weekends.
Here's a list of benefits that may be affected by bank holidays:
- Universal Credit - Every month
- Attendance Allowance - Usually every four weeks
- Carer’s Allowance - Weekly in advance or every four weeks
- Disability Living Allowance - Usually every four weeks
- Employment and Support Allowance - Usually every two weeks
- Income Support - Usually every two weeks
- Jobseeker’s Allowance - Usually every two weeks
- Pension Credit - Usually every four weeks
- Personal Independence Payment - Usually every four weeks
- State Pension - Usually every four weeks
If you're unsure about your payment date, it's always a good idea to check your bank account first. If the payment date is correct and the money hasn't arrived, you should contact the relevant helpline.
Payment Issues and Assessment
Universal Credit is worked out on a monthly basis, known as the Assessment Period. This period starts on the same date each month and ends on the same date each month.
Your Universal Credit payments will be made twice a month, on the same dates each month. For example, if you claim Universal Credit on 4 July, your first payment will be 5 weeks after you claim, which is 10 August.
If your Universal Credit payment date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, the payment will be made on the previous banking day.
Here's a summary of your payment schedule:
- First assessment period: 4 July to 3 August
- First payment: 10 August
- Second payment: 24 August
- Future payments: 10th and 24th of each month
Payment Not Processed

If your payment doesn't go in, don't panic. First, check if it's a bank holiday weekend, as this can affect when your payment is processed.
Some benefits, like Universal Credit, may not be paid on bank holidays, so it's a good idea to check your money before the bank holiday weekend begins. You can call the helplines listed below for assistance.
The helpline number for Universal Credit is 0800 328 5644, which has replaced the previous number 0345 600 0723.
If you're worried about not receiving your payment, it's a good idea to check your bank account first. If the payment date is correct and the money hasn't arrived, you should contact the relevant helpline.
However, remember that these helplines may not be operational on bank holidays, so it's best to check before calling.
Here's a list of DWP benefits and their usual payment dates:
- Universal Credit - Every month
- Attendance Allowance - Usually every four weeks
- Carer’s Allowance - Weekly in advance or every four weeks
- Disability Living Allowance - Usually every four weeks
- Employment and Support Allowance - Usually every two weeks
- Income Support - Usually every two weeks
- Jobseeker’s Allowance - Usually every two weeks
- Pension Credit - Usually every four weeks
- Personal Independence Payment - Usually every four weeks
- State Pension - Usually every four weeks
If you're unsure about your payment date or have concerns about not receiving your payment, it's always best to check with the relevant helpline or contact the DWP directly.
Universal Credit Assessment Period
Your Universal Credit payments will be worked out on a monthly basis, known as the Assessment Period. This starts as soon as you make your Universal Credit claim.
Your first assessment period will start on the same date each month and end on the same date each month.
If you claim Universal Credit on a specific date, your first assessment period will begin on that date and end 29 days later. For example, if you claim on 4 July, your first assessment period will be from 4 July to 1 August.
Your Universal Credit payments will be made twice a month, on the same dates each month. If your payment date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, the payment will be made on the previous banking day.
Here's a rough idea of what your payment dates might look like:
Note that your payment dates will be the same each month, making it easier to plan your finances.
Sources
- https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/dwp-confirms-bank-holiday-pay-20482356
- https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/full-list-dwp-universal-credit-28887634
- https://www.gov.uk/how-to-have-your-benefits-paid
- https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/early-payment-dates-universal-credit-9824926
- https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/how-much-universal-credit-you-get-and-how-youre-paid
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