Bank holiday payment dates
If your benefit, State Pension or Universal Credit payment is due on a bank holiday, you'll usually be paid on the working day before. Here's when that applies for every upcoming bank holiday.
These dates follow the standard rule used by the Department for Work and Pensions and HMRC. At Christmas and Easter the DWP also publishes an official schedule on GOV.UK – always check that if you're unsure. Dates shown are for England and Wales.
| If your payment is due on | Bank holiday | You'll usually be paid on |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 25 December 2026 | Christmas Day | Thursday 24 December 2026 |
| Monday 28 December 2026 | Boxing Day | Thursday 24 December 2026 |
| Friday 1 January 2027 | New Year's Day | Thursday 31 December 2026 |
| Friday 26 March 2027 | Good Friday | Thursday 25 March 2027 |
| Monday 29 March 2027 | Easter Monday | Thursday 25 March 2027 |
| Monday 3 May 2027 | Early May bank holiday | Friday 30 April 2027 |
| Monday 31 May 2027 | Spring bank holiday | Friday 28 May 2027 |
| Monday 30 August 2027 | Summer bank holiday | Friday 27 August 2027 |
Which payments does this cover?
The rule applies to most payments from the DWP, including State Pension, Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and Jobseeker's Allowance. HMRC payments such as Child Benefit follow the same principle.
What about Scotland and Northern Ireland?
Payment dates are moved when the banking system is closed for processing, which follows the England and Wales bank holidays shown above. Scotland's and Northern Ireland's extra bank holidays don't usually change when payments are made, but your own bank's opening times may differ. If a payment hasn't arrived on the expected date, contact the office that pays your benefit.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my benefit payment date is on a bank holiday?
If your payment is due on a bank holiday, you will usually be paid on the working day before. Payments due on a weekend are usually paid on the Friday before.
Will my Universal Credit be paid early at Christmas?
If your usual payment date falls on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or a substitute day, you will usually be paid on the last working day before. The Department for Work and Pensions publishes the exact Christmas schedule each year on GOV.UK.
Is my salary paid early on a bank holiday?
Most employers pay on the last working day before if payday falls on a bank holiday or weekend, but this depends on your employer's payroll policy.