The two bank holidays in August could result in changes to the scheduled payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The first bank holiday, on Monday, August 5, is only observed in Scotland.
HMRC has confirmed that Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits due on this date will be paid early, on Friday, August 2. Social Security Scotland payments due on this date may also arrive early, although no official announcement has been made yet.
The second bank holiday falls on Monday, August 26. It will be observed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, reports the Daily Record.
HMRC has confirmed that Child Benefit and Tax Credits due on this date will be deposited into bank accounts on Friday, August 23. It is expected that the DWP will announce similar changes to the scheduled payment dates for State Pension and benefits including Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), according to the Daily Record.
This is because State Pension and DWP benefit payments are typically made when offices and phone lines are open. On recognised bank holidays when these communication channels are closed, payments are made on the first working day prior to the affected date.
HMRC payment date changes in August
Payments from HMRC due to be made on August 5 or 26 may arrive early for some people.
Tax Credits:
- Payments due on Monday August 5 – will be paid on Friday August 2 for people living in Scotland only
- Payments due on Monday August 26 – will be paid on Friday August 23 for people living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Child Benefit:
- Payments due on Monday August 26 – will be paid on Friday August 23 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 DWP payment dates in August have not been confirmed yet. However, they are expected to follow the same pattern as those implemented by HMRC for the bank holiday on August 26 only.
Payments possibly affected:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State Pension
- Universal Credit
