With Easter 2025 just around the corner, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced some important updates regarding benefit payment dates. If you rely on Universal Credit, the State Pension, Child Benefit, or other forms of government support, this news is especially relevant.
Due to the upcoming Easter bank holidays, many people across the UK will see their payments arriving earlier than expected. The DWP has adjusted payment dates to ensure claimants receive their money on time, allowing them to manage household expenses without disruption.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Easter 2025 benefit payment changes, who will be affected, and what you should do to stay on top of your finances this April.
When Will You Receive Your Benefits During Easter 2025?
This year, Good Friday falls on April 18 and Easter Monday on April 21—both are official bank holidays in the UK. Since most banks and government offices will be closed on these dates, the DWP will be issuing payments early for those who were due to receive them on either of those two days.
If your usual payment date is Friday, 18 April or Monday, 21 April, your benefit will be paid on Thursday, 17 April 2025 instead.
This applies to weekly, fortnightly, and monthly payments, regardless of which benefit you receive.
Which Benefits Are Impacted by the Easter Schedule Change?
A wide range of DWP-administered payments will be rescheduled due to the Easter bank holidays. The early payment will apply to the following:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension (new and basic)
- Pension Credit
- Child Benefit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
If your benefit payment date does not fall on a bank holiday, there will be no change to when you receive your money.
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Key Changes in Payment Dates
Here’s a quick breakdown of how the dates are shifting:
| Benefit | Usual Payment Date | Easter 2025 Payment Date | Annual Increase (from April 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Friday, 18 April | Thursday, 17 April | +1.7% |
| State Pension | Monday, 21 April | Thursday, 17 April | +4.1% |
| Child Benefit | 18 or 21 April | Thursday, 17 April | +1.7% |
| Disability Living Allowance | 18 or 21 April | Thursday, 17 April | +1.7% |
| Personal Independence Payment | 18 or 21 April | Thursday, 17 April | +1.7% |
| Carer’s Allowance | 18 or 21 April | Thursday, 17 April | +1.7% |
Why Is the DWP Changing the Payment Dates?
Bank holidays like Good Friday and Easter Monday are non-working days for most banks and government services. To avoid delays and ensure that claimants receive their money in time, the DWP brings forward payments that would otherwise fall on these holidays.
This preemptive move means people won’t face unnecessary stress or disruptions to their finances due to the holiday closures.
Tips to Handle Early Benefit Payments Wisely
While an early payment may seem like a welcome surprise, it’s important to remember that your next scheduled payment will still arrive according to your normal timetable. Here are some practical ways to manage your money effectively:
- Update Your Budget
Make a note of the early payment in your calendar and adjust your monthly budgeting to reflect the change. This can prevent overspending early in the month. - Set Reminders
Use a phone or digital calendar reminder so you don’t forget about the change and can plan your spending accordingly. - Speak to Your Utility Providers
If your bill payment dates are close to or after the bank holiday, consider contacting providers to discuss payment schedules. - Use Free Budgeting Tools
Free resources like the MoneyHelper Budget Planner or Turn2Us can help you manage your income and outgoings more effectively.
Benefit Increases Coming in April 2025
Alongside the Easter payment changes, April also brings new benefit increases that aim to ease the pressure of rising living costs.
State Pension
- New State Pension: Will rise from £221.20 to £230.25 per week.
- Basic State Pension: Will increase from £169.50 to £176.45 per week.
- These changes are in line with the government’s triple lock policy, which ensures pensions rise by whichever is highest: inflation, earnings, or 2.5%.
Universal Credit
- For single adults aged 25 and over, payments will increase from £368.74 to around £375.99 per month—a 1.7% rise.
Carer’s Allowance
- This benefit will increase from £81.90 to £83.29 per week.
Child Benefit
- First child: Will rise from £24.00 to £24.41 per week.
- Additional children: Will go from £15.90 to £16.17 per week.
What Should You Do If Your Payment Doesn’t Arrive?
If your payment hasn’t shown up by midday on Thursday, 17 April, follow these steps:
- Wait a few hours – Payments often arrive between midnight and midday.
- Check your bank – Confirm the correct account is being checked.
- Contact your bank – Sometimes the issue is on their end.
- Reach out to the DWP – If all else fails, use the contact details provided in your award letter or visit the GOV.UK website for the appropriate helpline.
Upcoming Dates That Could Affect Payments Later in 2025
Keep these other 2025 bank holidays in mind, as they may also affect future benefit payment dates:
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 August
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December
Final Takeaway
There’s no need to worry about losing out due to the Easter bank holidays. If your payment is due on 18 or 21 April 2025, it will be automatically brought forward to Thursday, 17 April. The DWP is ensuring you receive your funds in advance, and with benefit increases also taking effect this April, there’s a little extra support to help manage the cost of living.