As Easter 2025 approaches, many people across the UK who rely on benefits are wondering whether their payments will arrive on time. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially announced a key change for benefit payments around the Easter holidays. If you are expecting a Universal Credit, PIP, State Pension, Child Benefit, or any other DWP-related payment during this time, it is important to check your revised payment date.
In this article, we explain everything you need to know about the early Easter payments, who is affected, and how to prepare for this short-term change.
Why Payment Dates Are Changing
Easter is a bank holiday period in the UK, which includes Good Friday (April 18) and Easter Monday (April 21) in 2025. Since banks and government offices are closed on these public holidays, the DWP adjusts payment dates to ensure that recipients receive their money in time.
Normally, if your scheduled benefit date falls on a bank holiday, your payment is brought forward to the previous working day. That’s exactly what’s happening during the Easter period this year.
Who Will Be Affected
Anyone receiving payments from the DWP or HMRC could be impacted. This includes:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Child Benefit
- Tax Credits
If your usual payment date falls on either Friday, 18 April or Monday, 21 April, you should expect to be paid earlier, usually on Thursday, 17 April.
Early Payment Dates Explained
For most claimants, DWP and HMRC will move payments one working day earlier than the holiday. So if your usual benefit date is:
- Friday, 18 April 2025 (Good Friday) → New payment date: Thursday, 17 April 2025
- Monday, 21 April 2025 (Easter Monday) → New payment date: Thursday, 17 April 2025
This ensures that everyone receives their benefit payments before the long Easter weekend begins, helping families and individuals manage their budgets during the holiday period.
Will the Payment Amount Change?
No, your payment amount will remain the same. The only change will be the date on which it is deposited into your account. This is a routine rescheduling due to public holidays and will not impact the frequency or amount of your regular payments.
It’s essential to note, however, that since the next payment will still follow the original schedule, there may be a slightly longer gap between the early Easter payment and your next scheduled one. You may want to budget accordingly to avoid running short.
What About Post Office Card Accounts?
If you still receive your benefits through a Post Office Card Account, you will also receive your payment on the adjusted date. However, since this scheme is being gradually phased out, it’s a good time to consider moving your payment method to a bank account if you haven’t already. This can help avoid delays in the future.
How to Confirm Your Payment Date
To find your exact payment date, you can:
- Log into your Universal Credit online account
- Check the letter or email confirmation from DWP or HMRC
- Call the DWP helpline (lines may be busy near holidays)
- Visit the official gov.uk website for updates
It’s always a good idea to double-check your payment schedule to avoid confusion or planning mishaps.
What to Do If Payment Doesn’t Arrive
If your payment does not arrive by the expected date (especially Thursday, 17 April), here’s what you should do:
- Wait a few hours: Payments are usually processed by midnight but may take until mid-morning or early afternoon to appear.
- Check your bank account: Ensure the account is active and has no holding issues.
- Contact your bank: They can confirm whether a payment has been processed.
- Call the DWP or HMRC: If still not received by mid-afternoon, contact them directly.
- DWP helpline: 0800 328 5644
- HMRC helpline (Tax Credits): 0345 300 3900
Remember that phone lines are typically very busy during holiday weeks, so try calling early in the day.
Tips to Prepare for the Early Payment
Because the next payment after Easter may follow your regular schedule (and not be adjusted forward), here are a few tips:
- Make a short-term budget to stretch the early payment over the usual duration
- Prioritise essential spending such as food, bills, and travel
- Avoid unnecessary purchases during the Easter sales unless already budgeted
- Use support services such as Citizen’s Advice if you need help managing your money
Planning ahead is the best way to avoid financial stress during holiday periods.
Will This Happen Again?
Yes. This kind of payment rescheduling occurs during every UK bank holiday period. Similar adjustments are made during:
- May Bank Holidays
- August Bank Holiday
- Christmas and New Year
You can check these in advance on the UK government’s benefits calendar.
What If You’re Newly Claiming Benefits?
If you’ve recently applied for benefits and your first payment is due during the Easter week, your claim may also be adjusted to arrive before the holiday. DWP typically sends a message or letter confirming your first payment date. Check for updates and contact them if in doubt.
Why It Matters
Receiving your payment early can be helpful for managing Easter-related costs, like increased utility bills, family gatherings, or travel. But it can also make budgeting tricky if you forget that your next payment may be slightly further away than usual.
That’s why staying informed about DWP announcements like this one is so important. These changes might seem small, but they directly affect how you manage your money.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a benefit recipient in the UK, it’s essential to stay updated on changes to payment schedules—especially around holidays like Easter. With payments arriving early in April 2025, it’s a good opportunity to plan ahead, avoid financial stress, and ensure you’re fully prepared.
Don’t forget to check your payment date, mark it on your calendar, and reach out for support if anything seems unclear. It’s better to know now than to be caught off guard later.