How do bank holidays affect your benefit payments?

Are you wondering what happens to your benefits over the bank holiday? The good news is, if your usual payment date falls on a bank holiday, you'll get your money early.

Let's look at how bank holidays affect when your benefits arrive and how you can plan ahead.

When will my benefits be paid over a bank holiday?

If your benefit payment is due to fall on a bank holiday Monday, you will get it on the Friday before instead.

This means you don't have to wait until after the bank holiday. The government makes sure you get your money before the long weekend starts.

Which benefits are paid early?

Early payments apply to many different benefits, including:

• Universal Credit
• State Pension
• Child Benefit
• Tax Credits
• PIP (Personal Independence Payment)
• ESA (Employment and Support Allowance)
• JSA (Jobseeker's Allowance)
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer's Allowance

How to manage your money after an early payment

Getting paid early sounds great, but it means your money needs to last longer. Your next payment will still come on its normal date after the bank holiday.

Here are some simple tips to help stretch your money:

1. Write down what bills you need to pay before your next payment
2. Set aside money for food and other must-haves
3. Try to save a little bit for unexpected costs

Remember: Any Direct Debits you have which were due to come out on the bank holiday Monday will be taken the following day – so be sure to factor this into your budgeting.

What to do if your benefit payment is missing

Most people don't need to do anything special to get their early payment. The money should arrive in your bank account automatically.

If Friday comes and you haven't received your payment when you should have, you can call the helpline for your specific benefit. Keep your National Insurance number ready when you call.

Final thoughts

Bank holidays bring a nice break, but they can make money matters a bit tricky. Remember that your benefits will come early, but they need to last until your next regular payment date.

Here’s a link to the upcoming UK bank holidays.

By planning ahead, you can enjoy the bank holiday without money worries!