Millions Could See Payment Dates Change Due to Upcoming Bank Holiday
Millions of people across the UK who receive benefits or State Pension payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may see changes to their regular payment dates next week due to the Spring Bank Holiday. The bank holiday falls on Monday, May 27, 2025, and could affect when payments are made.
The DWP has confirmed that payments scheduled for Monday will instead be issued earlier, on the preceding working day – Friday, May 23. This is a routine adjustment that happens during bank holidays to ensure that recipients are not left waiting for vital support.
If you receive Universal Credit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, or any other DWP-administered benefit, it’s essential to check whether your scheduled date falls on the holiday.
What DWP Has Said About the May Bank Holiday Payments
The DWP regularly adjusts payment dates when they fall on a UK bank holiday. If your benefit or pension payment is due on a non-working day, such as a bank holiday or weekend, the payment is usually made on the previous working day.
For the Spring Bank Holiday on May 27, this means that:
- Payments due on Monday, May 27 will be paid early on Friday, May 23.
- If your payment is due on any other day, it should be paid as usual.
This advance payment applies to all regular DWP benefits and pensions, and there is no change to the amount you will receive. It is simply an adjustment to the date.
List of DWP Benefits That May Be Affected
The following DWP benefits could be impacted by the change in payment date:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension (Basic and New)
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Child Benefit and Tax Credits (via HMRC)
It’s important to check your bank account on Friday, May 23 if your normal payment date is May 27, especially if your budget is tight.
What to Do If Your Payment Doesn’t Arrive
If you were expecting a payment on Friday, May 23, but it hasn’t arrived by the end of the day, you should contact the relevant department. Keep in mind that payment times can vary depending on your bank or building society.
For Universal Credit, contact the Universal Credit helpline. For other benefits, contact the DWP or HMRC depending on the benefit type. You can find contact details for your specific benefit on the official government website, where there are dedicated phone lines and web forms.
Please note that most offices will be closed on the bank holiday itself, so it’s best to raise any concerns on Friday, May 23 or earlier.
How This Affects Budgeting for Benefit Claimants
These early payments can be a double-edged sword. While getting paid ahead of the bank holiday may be convenient, it also means a longer wait until your next regular payment. For example, if your next payment is due four weeks later, this gap might feel extended if you’ve received it early.
Claimants are advised to budget carefully, especially those on Universal Credit or PIP, where payments are monthly and may be closely tied to rent, bills, and essential spending.
What About HMRC Payments?
HMRC-administered payments, such as Child Benefit and Working Tax Credit, also follow a similar pattern. If your payment is due on the bank holiday, it will typically be issued on the preceding Friday.
This applies to:
- Child Benefit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
If you’re unsure about your payment date, you can check your award notice or log into your HMRC online account for more details.
Future Bank Holidays to Be Aware Of
It’s a good idea to keep track of upcoming bank holidays, as they can also cause similar changes to your benefit or pension payments.
Remaining UK bank holidays in 2025 include:
- Monday, August 25 – Summer Bank Holiday
- Thursday, December 25 – Christmas Day
- Friday, December 26 – Boxing Day (Substitute Day if it falls on a weekend)
DWP and HMRC usually publish reminders ahead of time, but claimants should remain aware of the schedule to avoid surprises.
Summary
To summarise:
- If your DWP or HMRC payment is due on Monday, May 27, you should receive it on Friday, May 23.
- No changes to payment amounts are expected – only the date may be altered.
- If your payment doesn’t arrive by the end of the day on May 23, contact the appropriate helpline.
- Plan your finances accordingly, as there will be a longer gap to your next scheduled payment.
Staying informed and prepared ahead of bank holidays can help avoid unnecessary stress and ensure that your financial obligations are met on time.