How benefits and tax credits are paid

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) pays most benefits. 

But child benefit and tax credits are paid by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). 

Most benefits will be paid straight to your bank, building society or credit union account, except for housing benefit and council tax reduction. 

These reductions are usually applied before you get your bills.

You’ll be asked for your account details when you send in your claim for other benefits.

You’ll be sent a voucher by email, post or text from the department who pays you. 

HMRC will send a PayOut voucher, while DWP uses the payment exception service.

If you’re sent a voucher from DWP, you can collect your benefits from any PayPoint or Post Office.

PayOut vouchers must be taken to the Post Office.

You can only be paid a different way if you have problems opening or managing a bank, building society or credit union account. 

If this is an issue for you, contact the office that pays your benefits or the universal credit helpline. They’ll be able to explain your options.

The office that decides your claim will tell you how your benefits are to be paid. You can’t appeal if you’re unhappy with the payment method but you can complain if it’ll cause problems. 

Most benefits are paid every four weeks. This won’t be the same date each month but will be, for example, every fourth Monday.

Universal credit is paid on a fixed date each month e.g. the 15th. This will only change if that date falls on a weekend or bank holiday. Then you’ll be paid early, usually the working day before. 

Check the table to see when your benefits will be paid and by whom.