The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is preparing to change payment dates for several key benefits this Easter, as part of a broader rollout affecting 11 benefits starting in April 2025. This shift comes on the heels of a £5 billion cut in public spending announced last week, which is expected to have ripple effects across the UK’s welfare system.
Easter Bank Holidays to Disrupt Payment Schedule
Two bank holidays during the Easter period—Good Friday (April 18) and Easter Monday (April 21)—will disrupt the usual schedule for state pension and benefit payments. Since neither the DWP nor HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) processes payments on bank holidays, thousands of recipients could see early or delayed payments depending on their individual arrangements.
The number of bank holidays also varies depending on where you live in the UK. In 2025:
- England and Wales will have 8 bank holidays
- Scotland will observe 9
- Northern Ireland will have 10
Despite Easter Sunday being a major religious occasion, it is not a recognized bank holiday, whereas Good Friday and Easter Monday are.
Why Bank Holidays Matter for Benefits
The origin of the UK’s bank holidays dates back to the Bank Holidays Act of 1871, introduced by Sir John Lubbock MP. This law first recognized Easter Monday as a bank holiday in England, Wales, and Ireland, and Good Friday in Scotland. Today, these statutory holidays directly impact when people receive their benefits.
If your scheduled benefit payment falls on a bank holiday, and banks are closed, the DWP or HMRC may adjust your payment to arrive earlier or later. To avoid surprises, it’s important to check your bank account or contact your bank for confirmation.
Benefits Affected by the Easter 2025 Schedule
The following benefits are expected to be impacted by the Easter bank holidays:
- Universal Credit – Paid monthly
- Attendance Allowance – Usually paid every four weeks
- Carer’s Allowance – Paid weekly in advance or every four weeks
- Child Benefit – Paid every four weeks, or weekly for single parents or those receiving certain benefits
- Disability Living Allowance – Usually paid every four weeks
- Employment and Support Allowance – Paid every two weeks
- Income Support – Paid every two weeks
- Jobseeker’s Allowance – Paid every two weeks
- Pension Credit – Usually paid every four weeks
- Personal Independence Payment – Paid every four weeks
- State Pension – Paid every four weeks
What Should Recipients Do?
If you receive any of these benefits and your payment date coincides with Good Friday or Easter Monday, you should:
- Expect your payment to be moved to the last working day before the holiday, typically Thursday, April 17
- Monitor your bank account closely during this period
- Contact your bank or DWP if there are any issues or delays
Final Thoughts
The Easter 2025 payment changes are part of a wider adjustment by the DWP, linked to a broader £5 billion cost-cutting plan. While the payment date changes are not permanent, they serve as a reminder of how public holidays and government decisions can directly affect people’s daily lives.
Staying informed and prepared can help you avoid disruptions—especially during a time when every payment matters.
FAQ’s
1. Will my Universal Credit payment be delayed because of Easter 2025?
If your Universal Credit payment date falls on Good Friday (April 18) or Easter Monday (April 21), you may receive your payment early, typically on the last working day before the holiday (likely April 17).
2. Which DWP benefits are affected by Easter bank holidays?
The following benefits may be impacted:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Attendance Allowance
3. What happens if my benefit payment date is a bank holiday?
If your usual payment date lands on a bank holiday, you’ll likely receive your payment on the previous working day. It’s always a good idea to check with your bank or the DWP for confirmation.
4. Is Easter Sunday a bank holiday in the UK?
No, Easter Sunday is not a bank holiday. However, Good Friday and Easter Monday are official bank holidays, and DWP does not process payments on those days.
5. Will these payment date changes affect the amount I receive?
No, the changes only affect the date of payment, not the amount. You will still receive your full entitlement.
6. How can I check my benefit payment date?
You can check your payment schedule by:
- Logging into your Universal Credit online account
- Referring to your award letter
- Calling the DWP helpline for your specific benefit
7. What if I don’t receive my benefit payment on the revised date?
If your payment doesn’t arrive on the expected date, first check your bank account. Then, contact your benefit office or the DWP as soon as possible to resolve the issue.
