The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have announced that due to the upcoming bank holidays, thousands of individuals in the UK receiving benefits will get their payments earlier than usual this Easter.
This ensures that claimants don’t face delays during the long holiday weekend.
When Will Easter 2025 Benefit Payments Be Processed?
If your regular benefit payment is scheduled for Good Friday (April 18, 2025) or Easter Monday (April 21, 2025), you will receive your payment a day earlier, on Thursday, April 17, 2025. This adjustment is being made for all major benefits managed by both the DWP and HMRC.
The reason behind this change is that the government does not process payments on bank holidays, and in order to avoid a gap in payment distribution over the long Easter weekend, payments will be processed earlier.
Which Benefits Will Be Affected?
The following list of benefits will be impacted by the early payment schedule:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit
- Child Benefit
- Guardian’s Allowance
- Tax Credits
Key Considerations for Early Payments
While getting your payment early is advantageous in terms of cash flow, it’s important to keep in mind that this does not mean receiving a larger amount of money.
The payment cycle is simply moved forward, meaning that the gap between this payment and your next one will be slightly longer than usual.
- Universal Credit recipients, who typically receive their payments on the same date every month, will see their payment on April 17 instead of April 18 or April 21.
- For Child Benefit, which is usually paid every four weeks on Monday or Tuesday, if the regular payment date falls on Easter Monday, you will receive it on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Other Important Benefit Payment Date Changes for 2025
In addition to the Easter 2025 changes, the DWP has also confirmed other upcoming bank holiday-related payment adjustments for the year. These include:
| Holiday | Original Payment Date | Early Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| May 5, 2025 | May 5, 2025 | May 2, 2025 |
| May 26, 2025 | May 26, 2025 | May 23, 2025 |
| August 25, 2025 | August 25, 2025 | August 22, 2025 |
In addition, regional variations may apply for Northern Ireland and Scotland.
In Easter 2025, recipients of UK benefits like Universal Credit, State Pension, and Child Benefit will receive early payments to account for the Good Friday and Easter Monday bank holidays.
Be aware that these early payments don’t mean an increase in your benefits, only an adjustment to ensure you’re paid before the bank holiday weekend. Keep an eye on further benefit payment schedule changes in the coming months, especially those affected by additional bank holidays throughout the year.
FAQs
What should I do if my payment is due on a bank holiday?
If your payment is typically scheduled for a bank holiday, you’ll receive it early, typically on the Thursday preceding the holiday.
Will the early payment affect the total amount I receive?
No, the early payment does not change the amount of money you receive. The payment cycle is simply moved up, and the gap between payments will be longer.
Will future bank holiday payment changes be communicated?
Yes, the DWP will continue to provide details on any upcoming payment date adjustments for future bank holidays throughout the year.