The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have confirmed that thousands of UK benefit recipients will receive their payments earlier than usual this Easter due to the upcoming bank holidays.
When Will Easter 2025 Benefit Payments Be Made?
If your regular benefit payment date falls on either Good Friday (April 18, 2025) or Easter Monday (April 21, 2025), you will receive your payment on Thursday, April 17, 2025, instead. This early payment arrangement applies to all major benefits administered by both the DWP and HMRC.
The reason for this change is that government departments do not process payments on bank holidays. Therefore, to ensure claimants aren’t left without their money over the long weekend, payments are processed early.
Which Benefits Are Affected?
The early payment schedule applies to a comprehensive list of benefits, including:
- 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
Important Considerations for Early Payments
While receiving your payment early might seem beneficial, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean you’ll receive more money. The payment cycle has simply been brought forward, which means the gap between this payment and your next scheduled one will be slightly longer than usual.
For Universal Credit recipients, payments typically arrive on the same date each month. If your usual payment date falls on April 18 or April 21, expect your money on April 17 instead.
Child Benefit, which is usually paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday, will also be paid on Thursday, April 17, if your regular payment is due on Easter Monday.
Future Benefit Payment Date Changes in 2025
The DWP has also confirmed other benefit payment date changes for 2025 due to bank holidays:
- May 5, 2025: payment on May 2
- May 26, 2025: payment on May 23
- August 25, 2025: payment on August 22
Additional regional variations apply for Northern Ireland and Scotland.