Key money dates for March 2026

“In like a lion, out like a lamb” is the old saying about March, stormy at the start, calmer and brighter by the end. While the weather may be unpredictable, your finances don’t have to be.

Here are the key money dates for March 2026 to put in your diary.

1 March – Rail fares remain frozen

From 1 March, regulated rail fares in England will remain frozen, for the first time in 30 years.

Normally, these fares increase each year in line with the Retail Prices Index (RPI) measure of inflation.

This freeze applies to all government-controlled fares, although train operators can still raise fares that they set themselves.

The freeze applies to English rail only and will stay in place until March 2027. It’s intended to help ease cost-of-living pressures for passengers.

2 March – Free Wills Month begins

Free Wills Month starts on 2 March. If you’re aged 55 or over, you can have a simple will written or updated free of charge by participating solicitors. For couples, only one person needs to be 55 or over to qualify.

This nationwide campaign aims to highlight the importance of having a valid will in place. A will ensures your money, property and possessions go to the people and causes you care about most.

To take part, you can use the postcode locator on the official Free Wills Month website to find participating solicitors in your area during March.

3 March – spring statement

The spring statement will take place on Tuesday 3 March 2026.

While it’s not yet clear what the chancellor will announce, the government has repeatedly committed to holding just one major financial event each year.

That means we’re not expecting significant tax or spending changes, but it’s still worth keeping an eye on, in case there are updates that affect household finances.

19 March – Bank of England interest rate decision

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meets again on 19 March to decide whether interest rates should change.

Any movement in the base rate can affect mortgages, savings rates and borrowing costs, so it’s an important date for homeowners, buyers and savers alike.

25 March – Inflation data released

On 25 March, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) will publish February’s CPI inflation figures.

Inflation data helps show how quickly prices are rising across the economy and can influence future interest rate decisions, as well as wage negotiations and benefit uprating.

31 March – Winter Fuel Payment claim deadline

Most eligible pensioners receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically. However, some people need to make a claim, particularly if they haven’t received one before.

The payment is worth up to £300 to help with heating costs.

The deadline to claim for this winter’s payment is 31 March 2026.

You can claim the Winter Fuel Payment:

• By post
• By phone

If you think you may be eligible but haven’t received a payment, it’s important to act before the deadline.

Benefit payment dates in March

Benefit payments will go out as normal in March, as there are no bank holidays affecting payment schedules.

For more information on how and when state benefits are paid, visit the government’s website.

Keeping track of these dates can help you stay one step ahead financially.

You can find the key money dates for the whole of 2026 here.