As the upcoming late May Bank Holiday approaches, millions of UK households receiving benefits and pension payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are being advised to take note of changes to their usual payment dates.
Government departments, including the DWP and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), adjust payment schedules around public holidays to ensure claimants receive their money on time. With the Spring Bank Holiday falling on Monday, May 27, 2025, several key benefits and pension payments will be made earlier than usual.
Who Is Affected by the May Bank Holiday?
If you are a recipient of any of the following payments, it’s important to check your payment schedule:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Tax Credits
Households expecting any of the above payments on Monday, May 27, should expect their money to arrive earlier, typically on Friday, May 23, 2025. This is standard procedure when a payment date falls on a public holiday or weekend.
When Will My Payment Be Made?
The general rule applied by the DWP and HMRC is:
If your payment is due on:
- Monday, May 27, 2025 (Bank Holiday)
You will be paid on:
- Friday, May 23, 2025
This earlier payment date applies to most benefits, including Universal Credit and State Pension, as well as HMRC-managed benefits such as Child Benefit and Tax Credits.
If your payment is not due on May 27, then you should expect it to arrive on your usual scheduled date.
What About Universal Credit?
Universal Credit payments are usually made monthly. If your assessment period ends shortly before the Bank Holiday, and your scheduled payment date is Monday, May 27, you will receive it on Friday, May 23.
However, if your Universal Credit date falls before or after the Bank Holiday and doesn’t land on the 27th, your payment will be made as normal.
It’s worth noting that although you receive the money earlier, the amount paid remains the same, and the early payment does not mean you’ll receive more money in the month. You will simply need to budget accordingly until your next regular payment date.
How to Check Your Benefit Payment Schedule
You can check your exact payment dates via your online account:
- For Universal Credit, log in to your Universal Credit online account.
- For State Pension and other DWP benefits, refer to your latest award letter or contact your benefits office directly.
- For Tax Credits or Child Benefit, check your HMRC account or the correspondence received from HMRC.
If you’re uncertain, contacting the appropriate government department directly will provide clarification.
Bank Holiday Contact Hours
Most DWP and HMRC offices will be closed on Monday, May 27. This includes phone lines, Jobcentres, and local offices. Any enquiries or changes that need to be made should ideally be completed before the Bank Holiday weekend.
DWP customer service lines are typically open:
- Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm
- Closed on weekends and public holidays
It’s also advisable to plan ahead for any urgent issues or documentation requirements as delays can occur during Bank Holiday periods.
Will My Payment Amount Change?
No, your benefit or pension amount will not change due to the Bank Holiday. The only change is the date of payment, not the amount.
This early payment is issued to ensure no one is left without support during the holiday period. However, it’s important to be mindful that this earlier payment will need to stretch a few extra days until your next regular payment.
Financial Advice and Support
If you’re concerned about budgeting over the extended period before your next payment, the following organisations can offer support:
- Citizens Advice – Offers free advice on benefits, budgeting, and financial hardship.
- StepChange – A debt charity providing support for managing finances.
- Turn2us – Helps individuals access benefits and charitable grants.
These services can assist in financial planning if you’re worried about making your money last during longer-than-usual intervals between payments.
What If My Payment Doesn’t Arrive?
If you were expecting a payment on Friday, May 23 and it hasn’t arrived by mid-day, it’s important to:
- Check your bank account and your benefits account online.
- Make sure it wasn’t deposited earlier than expected.
- If nothing appears, contact the appropriate DWP or HMRC helpline as soon as offices open after the Bank Holiday.
Missing payments can occasionally occur due to administrative errors or bank delays. Contacting the department responsible is the fastest way to resolve the issue.
Key Takeaways
- Most benefits and pensions due on Monday, May 27 will be paid on Friday, May 23.
- The amount of the payment does not change.
- Ensure you budget accordingly, as the next payment will still come on its usual schedule.
- DWP and HMRC offices will be closed on the Bank Holiday Monday.
- Contact customer service before the weekend if you have urgent queries.
Keeping informed about these changes can help ensure you’re not caught off guard. If you’re relying on benefits or pensions, always make a note of upcoming Bank Holidays and plan accordingly.