More than 20 million people in the UK are currently getting benefits or pensions. Image: Pexels
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Even amid political chaos, the benefits system is there to support people who need it. It is a lifeline for millions of people who need a little extra help to cover the cost of living.
People may need to turn to social security at any time in their life for various reasons – unemployment, poor health and family circumstances can all leave people facing unexpected financial difficulties and needing support to get by.
More than 20 million people in the UK receive financial support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to prop up their income. That is nearly a third of the population.
So we break it down for you with the basics you need to know about benefits in July 2025 – including what date you might get your benefits, what to do if a benefit payment is missing, how to know if you could be eligible for benefits and other financial support available.
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We also explain what you need to know about the recent changes announced to disability benefits.
What date will my DWP benefits be paid in July 2025?
The date your benefit is paid in July depends on which benefit you receive and the date you first received your benefit payment.
Universal credit is paid monthly by the DWP. Attendance allowance, disability living allowance, pension credit, personal independence payment (PIP) and state pension are paid every four weeks after the date your received your first payment.
Carer’s allowance, tax credits (from HMRC) and child benefit are either weekly or every four weeks. And maternity allowance is either every two weeks or every four weeks.
If the date you usually expect your benefit payment falls on a weekend or a bank holiday, then your benefit will be paid on the working day before.
When will my state pension be paid in July 2025?
State pension is usually paid every four weeks. The day your pension is paid depends on your national insurance number.
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If your NI number is 00 to 019, you’ll be paid on Monday. If it’s 20 to 39, it’s Tuesday. For 40 to 59, it’s Wednesday. If it’s 60 to 79, you’ll be paid on Thursday. And for 80 to 99, it’s Friday.
You’ll be asked when you want to start getting your state pension when you claim, and your first payment will be no later than five weeks after the date you choose.
You might be paid earlier if your normal payment day falls on a bank holiday.
What to do if you haven’t received your benefit payment on the expected day
If your benefit payment hasn’t arrived and you think you should have received it, double check the payment date on your awards notice in the first instance. If there has been a bank holiday or weekend, there’s a chance it may be delayed until the next working day.
After that, contact your bank to ask if there is a payment waiting to go through. The payment might be pending and it might be a simple issue of the funds not having been cleared yet.
And if it’s still missing, it’s time to contact the office which handles your benefit or pension – such as the DWP or HMRC. For example, for universal credit you can use your online account or call the universal credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
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For missing PIP payments, contact the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433. If you are receiving tax credits or other financial support handled by the HMRC, contact HMRC.
How do I know if I am eligible for DWP benefits in July 2025?
You could be entitled to benefits and tax credits if you are working or unemployed, sick or disabled, a parent, a young person, an older person or a veteran. You can use a benefits calculator to find out what you might be entitled to claim – including from Turn2Us,Policy in Practice and entitledto.
Citizens Advice offers information and services to help people and they can advise you as to what financial support is available from the government to help you. You can also find local advice services here.
The time you’ll receive your benefit payments depends on your bank and the automated system. Don’t worry if you don’t receive your benefit payment at the same time as someone else.
The DWP currently uses the Bankers’ Automated Clearing Services (BACS) payment validation process to make universal credit payments – and that often means people get payments between midnight and early morning.
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But don’t panic if you haven’t received your payment at the same time you did the previous month. The automated system or your bank may just be lagging.
There are steps you can take if it gets to the following day and you still haven’t received your benefit payment as expected.
What changes is the DWP planning for benefits?
The DWP has announced a series of plans for the benefits system. In positive news, this includes increasing universal credit for single people aged 25 and over by £7 a week in 2026 to 2027.
People will also have the ‘right to try’ work without the risk of losing their benefits, and there will be increased employment support for benefit claimants.
It had also announced a series of proposals to cut disability benefits – but then backtracked on some of them as the government faced a rebellion from Labour MPs.
Plans to slash PIP have now been delayed, but there are still plans to cut the health element of universal credit in half for new claimants and slash it entirely for those under the age of 22.
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This will impact more than 700,000 people, who will lose an average of £3,000 per year. You can read more here.
Are there any cost of living payments planned for 2025?
Unfortunately there are no cost of living payments planned for this year. The last cost of living payment reached eligible bank accounts in February 2024.
But there is other cost of living help available for households who need it, which we’ve rounded up below.
Where else can I get cost of living help?
Benefits aren’t stretching far enough and there are no more cost of living payments planned for 2025 – but there are other options out there for people who need it.
People who are struggling financially may be eligible for charitable grants. You can find out what grants might be available to you using Turn2Us’ grant search on the charity’s website.
There are a huge range of grants available for different people – including those who are bereaved, disabled, unemployed, redundant, ill, a carer, veteran, young person or old person. Grants are also usually available to people who have no recourse to public funds and cannot claim welfare benefits.
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If you are unable to pay your bills, your local council may have a scheme that can help you. Local councils may be able to give you debt advice, help you get hold of furniture and support you with buying food and paying your energy bills.
Your council may also have a local welfare assistance scheme, also known as crisis support. It also may have a support scheme, such as food or fuel vouchers, paid for by the household support fund.
You can also find out what support your council offers through End Furniture Poverty’s local welfare assistance finder or by contacting your local authority directly.
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