UK Bank Holiday Payment Dates 2026 - When Will I Get Paid?
When does Universal Credit pay on a bank holiday?
When your Universal Credit payment date falls on a bank holiday, DWP pays you on the last working day before the bank holiday. For example, if your payment is due on Easter Monday 6 April 2026, you will be paid on Thursday 2 April 2026 instead.
2026 UK Bank Holiday Benefit Payment Dates
Good Friday 3 April 2026: paid Wednesday 1 April 2026. Easter Monday 6 April 2026: paid Thursday 2 April 2026. Early May Bank Holiday 4 May 2026: paid Friday 1 May 2026. Spring Bank Holiday 25 May 2026: paid Friday 22 May 2026. Summer Bank Holiday 31 August 2026: paid Friday 28 August 2026. Christmas Day 25 December 2026: paid Wednesday 23 December 2026. Boxing Day 28 December 2026: paid Wednesday 23 December 2026.
What if my benefit payment is late after a bank holiday?
If your payment has not arrived by the end of the expected payment day, first check your bank (payments can arrive any time during the day), then check your Universal Credit journal. If still missing, call DWP Universal Credit on 0800 328 5644 (free, Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm). You can request an advance payment if you are in genuine hardship.
Does the bank holiday payment rule apply to all benefits?
Yes. The early payment rule applies to Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Child Benefit, Tax Credits, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA). All DWP payments shift to the last working day before the bank holiday.