The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that millions of claimants across the UK will receive their benefit payments earlier than usual this week, in response to the upcoming Easter bank holidays.
This early payment schedule has been put in place to ensure that individuals who rely on timely support can still access their funds despite the long weekend.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, anyone due for payment on April 18 or April 21 will instead have their payments processed on April 17, avoiding potential delays caused by public holidays.
Easter Holiday Prompts Change in Benefit Schedule
On April 17, the DWP announced that anyone scheduled to be paid on April 18 (Good Friday) or April 21 (Easter Monday) will instead receive their payment on Thursday, April 17.
Posting on their social media accounts, the DWP stated:
If you are due to be paid on 18 April or 21 April, you will be paid on 17 April.
Please contact us straight away if there is a problem with your payment.
This policy follows the department’s standard practice of issuing early payments when the scheduled date falls on a weekend or public holiday.
Affected Benefits and Payment Adjustments
The benefits impacted by the change include :
- Universal Credit
- Child Benefit
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
In addition to the payments due on April 18 and April 21, the DWP also confirmed that benefits expected on April 19 (Saturday) have been paid early, on April 17. Although Easter Sunday (April 20) is not a bank holiday, it falls within the non-processing period for benefit payments.
Normal Schedule Resumes After Holiday
Recipients whose regular payment dates do not fall on April 18, 19, or 21 will receive their benefits on their usual scheduled dates. No changes apply in those cases.
The DWP confirmed that regular payment schedules will resume after the Easter bank holiday weekend. The amount received will remain the same unless the claimant’s personal circumstances have changed since their last assessment.
Claimants paid on a monthly cycle can determine whether they are affected by counting four weeks forward from their previous payment. If the resulting date is one of the bank holidays, they will likely have received an early deposit.
Payment Channels and Action Required
Payments are issued directly to bank accounts, building societies or credit unions. Claimants who have not received their payment by the expected date are urged to contact the relevant benefit office immediately.
Across the UK, Good Friday (April 18) and Easter Monday (April 21) are recognized as bank holidays. However, Scotland does not observe Easter Monday as a public holiday, which may affect local payment practices in that region.
This early payment adjustment ensures that claimants have uninterrupted access to their benefits over the long Easter weekend. By announcing the changes in advance, the DWP aims to minimize confusion and maintain stability for those relying on financial support during public holidays.
