Around 24 million people claiming DWP benefits will receive their payments as normal in March 2026, with no bank holidays affecting the schedule

Benefit payments will arrive as scheduled in March for millions of recipients, as no bank holidays are planned during the month. Should your payment date fall on a weekend or bank holiday, you’ll typically receive the money on the preceding working day.

Those receiving Universal Credit, State Pension, Child Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and other benefits should anticipate funds arriving in their accounts on the usual date. Should any problems arise with your payment, get in touch with the relevant office managing your benefit.

Currently, approximately 24 million people across the nation are claiming some form of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) administered benefits, including State Pension recipients, accounting for roughly one in three individuals. Analysis by Policy in Practice reveals that £24bn in benefits remains unclaimed annually.

Should you believe you’re eligible for benefit payments, you’ll need to provide bank, building society or credit union account information when applying. Alternative payment methods are only available if you encounter difficulties opening or managing an account.

The basic State Pension is paid directly into bank accounts. Payment typically occurs every four weeks, with the precise day determined by the final two digits of your national insurance (NI) number, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Much like other benefits, payment dates are expected to remain consistent throughout March. Significant changes are set to affect household bills come April.

Energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed that the energy price cap will fall by 7% in April. This reduction will apply to all households, including those on fixed tariffs, and requires no claim or application. The exact savings for each household will vary depending on individual circumstances and energy usage, but average savings from this cut are expected to be approximately £150.

From April, both the new and old State Pension will rise in accordance with the triple lock. The DWP states this will benefit millions of pensioners with above-inflation payments.

Nevertheless, it will bring state pension payments within touching distance of the personal allowance threshold. After the increase, the full new state pension will amount to roughly £12,547.60 per year, whilst the frozen personal allowance remains at £12,570.

The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that Universal Credit claimants will see their payments rise this year. Benefits linked to inflation are set to increase by 3.8% from April, whilst others will receive a 2.3% uplift.