As Easter approaches in April 2025, millions of people across the UK who rely on state support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may see their usual benefit payment dates affected due to the bank holidays.

This year, Good Friday falls on April 18, 2025, and Easter Monday lands on April 21, 2025—both of which are official UK bank holidays. These dates will impact when benefit payments are processed and received, prompting the DWP to adjust its schedule accordingly.

What Happens to Your Payment Over Easter Bank Holidays?

Typically, when a payment date lands on a weekend or a bank holiday, it is brought forward to the last working day before. In the case of Easter 2025, if your regular benefit or pension payment is due on either Good Friday (April 18) or Easter Monday (April 21), you can expect to receive it early, on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

This applies to most DWP payments including:

• Universal Credit
• State Pension
• Child Benefit
• Tax Credits
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Pension Credit
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

So, if your scheduled payment falls on either of the two Easter holidays, make sure to check your bank account on Thursday, April 17, instead.

Why the Early Payment Matters

Receiving payments earlier than usual can help people avoid potential financial disruption during the holiday period when banks and government offices are closed. However, it also means that there may be a longer gap until the next payment is made especially for those who rely on weekly or fortnightly payments.

It’s crucial to budget accordingly, as the next scheduled payment will not be moved forward. Planning your finances over this slightly extended interval will help prevent shortfalls later in the month.

What If You Don’t Receive Your Payment?

If you don’t see your payment arrive by the end of the day on Thursday, April 17, and you were expecting it on either of the holiday dates, you should first contact your bank to ensure there are no processing delays.

If the issue isn’t resolved, get in touch with the relevant government department. Here are some helpful contacts:

• Universal Credit helpline: www.gov.uk/universal-credit/contact-universal-credit
• PIP (Personal Independence Payment): www.gov.uk/pip/contact
• State Pension and other benefits:www.gov.uk/contact-pension-service

You can also check the official DWP website for updates and announcements regarding payments and public holidays.

How to Prepare for Payment Changes

The key to avoiding issues around holiday payment dates is preparation. Here are a few tips:

• Check your payment schedule ahead of time via your Universal Credit journal or DWP letter.
• Budget wisely to account for any early payments and potential delays before your next cycle.
• Set alerts or reminders so you’re aware when to expect early deposits.
• Reach out early if something seems off. The sooner you contact the DWP, the quicker a resolution can be made.

Other Bank Holidays That May Affect Payments in 2025

In addition to Easter, several other bank holidays throughout 2025 may impact when benefits are paid. These include:

• Early May Bank Holiday – May 5, 2025
• Spring Bank Holiday – May 26, 2025
• Summer Bank Holiday – August 25, 2025
• Christmas – December 25 & 26, 2025

For a full list of UK bank holidays, you can visit:
www.gov.uk/bank-holidays

Conclusion

If you’re receiving benefits or state pension payments from the DWP and your usual payment date falls on either Good Friday (April 18) or Easter Monday (April 21) in 2025, you will likely be paid earlier—on Thursday, April 17.

This change applies to a wide range of benefits, from Universal Credit to PIP, and it’s part of the DWP’s long-standing policy to avoid disruptions caused by non-working bank holidays.

Make sure to mark your calendar and check in with your account or DWP if anything seems amiss.

For more official guidance or benefit-specific queries, always rely on gov.uk or direct DWP contact channels.