The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and Social Security Scotland have announced early payment dates for several benefits due in May, in response to two upcoming bank holidays in England, Wales, and Scotland: the Early May Bank Holiday on Monday, 5 May, and the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, 26 May.
These changes aim to ensure that claimants receive their financial support without disruption, as public offices and services will be temporarily closed during the holidays.
According to a report by Devon Live, DWP and HMRC have coordinated efforts to advance a wide range of essential payments, helping individuals plan ahead during the holiday period and avoid potential financial gaps.
Early Payments Due to Early May Bank Holiday
Benefit payments originally scheduled for Monday, 5 May will now be deposited on Friday, 2 May, to accommodate the Early May Bank Holiday.
This adjustment affects a broad list of UK-wide and devolved benefits, including :
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Child Benefit
- Guardian’s Allowance
- Scottish Child Payment
- Carer Support Payment
- Pension Age Disability Payment
In an official statement, the DWP clarified the reason behind the date change :
On Monday 5 May offices and phone lines are closed. To make sure people get their payment on a day when our offices are open, arrangements have been made to make some payments early. If the expected payment date is Monday 5 May then benefits will be paid early on Friday 2 May.
All Jobcentre Plus offices and DWP phone lines will be closed on the day of the holiday, resuming normal operations on Tuesday, 6 May.
Spring Bank Holiday Prompts Second Round of Early Payments
The Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, 26 May will also prompt a shift in payment dates. According to confirmations by both HMRC and Social Security Scotland, payments scheduled for this date will instead be made on Friday, 23 May.
This change currently applies to :
- Child Benefit
- Guardian’s Allowance
- Adult Disability Payment
- Child Disability Payment
- Scottish Child Payment
- Carer Support Payment
- Pension Age Disability Payment
The DWP, however, has not yet confirmed whether it will also advance payments due on 26 May. An announcement is expected closer to the holiday.
Social Security Scotland has confirmed that Best Start Foods payments will not be affected by either bank holiday.
If your benefit is not due on 5 May or 26 May, it will be paid as usual, with no changes expected to the payment schedule.
