DWP and HMRC claimants may see their payment dates change

The two bank holidays in August could lead to changes in scheduled payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The first public holiday, Monday 5 August, is observed only in Scotland.

HMRC has confirmed that Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits due on this date will be paid early on Friday 2 August. Scottish social security payments due on this date may also arrive earlier, but no official announcement has yet been made. The second bank holiday falls on Monday 26 August 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 23 August. The DWP is expected to announce similar changes to scheduled payment dates for the State Pension and benefits including Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), the Daily Record reports.

This is because state pension and DWP benefit payments are usually made when offices and phone lines are open. On recognized public holidays, when these communication channels are closed, payments are made on the first business day prior to the affected date.

HMRC payment date changes in August

Payments from HMRC due on 5 or 26 August may arrive earlier for some people.

Credit fees:

• Payment is due on Monday, August 5 – will be paid on Friday 2 August only for people living in Scotland
• Payment is due on Monday, August 26 – will be paid on Friday 23 August for people living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Child benefits:

• Payment is due on Monday, August 26 – will be paid on Friday 23 August for people living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

A full list of tax credit payment date changes can be found on GOV.UK here.

A full list of Child Benefit payment date changes can be found on GOV.UK here.

Potential changes to August’s DWP payment dates are yet to be confirmed. However, they are expected to follow the same pattern as those implemented by HMRC for the August 26 bank holiday only.

Payments possibly affected:

• Attendance allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Retirement credit
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• State pension
• Universal credit