As the September bank holiday approaches, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have confirmed that benefit payments due between 23 and 25 September 2025 will be paid early on Friday, 22 September 2025.
This step ensures that households don’t face delays in accessing essential support during the long weekend. While receiving payments early can feel like a bonus, it also means budgets must stretch further until the next scheduled payment comes.
What You Need to Know About September’s Early Payment
Why Payments Move Early
When a payment date coincides with a weekend or bank holiday, the DWP and HMRC automatically bring the payment forward to avoid interruptions. This avoids any disruption in support when banks and offices are closed.
Who Is Affected
Nearly all DWP and HMRC‑administered benefits are impacted, including:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Child Benefit
- Tax Credits
If your usual payment date falls on Saturday 23, Sunday 24, or Monday 25 September, expect your funds to land in your account on Friday, 22 September.
At-a-Glance – Benefit Payments for September 2025
| Benefit / Payment Type | New Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Friday, 22 September 2025 |
| State Pension | Friday, 22 September 2025 |
| Pension Credit | Friday, 22 September 2025 |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Friday, 22 September 2025 |
| Disability Living Allowance (DLA) | Friday, 22 September 2025 |
| Attendance Allowance | Friday, 22 September 2025 |
| Carer’s Allowance | Friday, 22 September 2025 |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) | Friday, 22 September 2025 |
| Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) | Friday, 22 September 2025 |
| Income Support | Friday, 22 September 2025 |
| Child Benefit | Friday, 22 September 2025 |
| Tax Credits | Friday, 22 September 2025 |
How Early Payment Works
Payments are made directly into your bank, building society, or credit union. No application or action is required—it’s fully automatic. Your bank statement will display a reference like “DWP” or “HMRC,” and Universal Credit recipients can also check their online journal for confirmation of the new date.
Why This Change Matters – and How to Cope
- Why it matters: Many households depend entirely on benefit payments for essentials like rent, groceries, and childcare. Being proactive with early payments ensures there’s no interruption in support.
- The downside: The next payment after 22 September will arrive on its usual date in October, meaning the gap can feel longer than normal.
- Budgeting tips:
- Prioritize essentials like food, rent, and utilities first.
- Set aside funds for recurring obligations such as direct debits.
- Avoid unnecessary spending during the holiday weekend.
- Consider local support like food banks or council schemes if needed before your next payday.
Preparing for Bank Holiday Disruptions
In addition to early payments, you may also qualify for other support schemes in September 2025, such as:
- Final Cost‑of‑Living £500 instalment (Autumn 2025)
- Local Household Support Fund payments via councils
- Warm Home Discount for eligible households
- Free school meals for children in low‑income families
These are powerful safety nets if your early payment doesn’t stretch as far as hoped.
Why Early Payment Days Matter More in 2025
With rising living costs, every day matters when budgeting on benefits. A delayed payment—even by one day—can lead to missed bill payments or late fees.
By moving payments ahead, the DWP ensures families can rely on timely income—despite banking closures.
The DWP’s early payment adjustment for September 2025 ensures that claimants receive their essential support before the bank holiday weekend, maintaining financial stability during potential disruption.
While this means money arrives a few days earlier, remember that your next scheduled payment remains unchanged, making it vital to budget prudently.
FAQs
Which benefits will be paid early on 22 September?
Almost all key DWP and HMRC benefits, including Universal Credit, State Pension, Child Benefit, Tax Credits, PIP, ESA, JSA, Income Support, and more, that are due on 23–25 September will be paid on 22 September 2025.
Do I need to reapply or contact anyone to receive the early payment?
No. Changes are automatic—no need for any action or application. Your money will arrive in your account on the new date, just as usual.
What if the payment doesn’t arrive on 22 September?
First, check your bank account and confirm via your benefit statement or online journal. If the payment still hasn’t appeared by midday on 22 September, contact the appropriate helpline (Universal Credit, DWP, or HMRC). Keep in mind some banks may process payments later in the day, so always confirm with your financial institution first.