Overview

• Payments due on Saturday 23, Sunday 24 and Monday 25 August were brought forward to Friday 22 August under the standard weekend and bank holiday rule.
• The change applies across the UK to Universal Credit, State Pension, Child Benefit, PIP, DLA, Carer’s Allowance, Attendance Allowance and other major payments, including HMRC-managed benefits.
• Most recipients reported early credits, with officials stressing no action is required; those who did not see funds were advised to check accounts and then contact the relevant helpline promptly.
• Finance advisers cautioned that receiving money early creates a longer gap until the next instalment, urging households to plan spending and bill dates carefully.
• The DWP clarified payment references seen on statements, noting identifiers such as “DWP XB” and refund markers like “DWP RFD,” as millions of households were affected.