Millions of benefit claimants across the UK are set to receive early credit payments due to a temporary Easter closure of all Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offices and helplines. The extended shutdown will affect both Jobcentres and DWP phone services, causing a significant interruption to public access for several days.
According to GB News, the department is accelerating scheduled payments to ensure that claimants are not left without support during the four-day holiday period. This adjustment reflects standard contingency planning by the DWP whenever bank holidays impact the regular benefits payment calendar.
Service Disruption Due to Bank Holiday Weekend
The DWP has confirmed that all its Jobcentres, departmental offices and phone lines will remain closed from Friday, April 18 through Monday, April 21, due to the Good Friday and Easter Monday bank holidays. Claimants requiring assistance after today will face a six-day wait until services resume on Tuesday, April 22.
Those who need to speak with a JobCentre advisor or use benefit helplines must do so before offices close today. Support services will not be accessible during the four-day break.
Early Universal Credit Payments Scheduled
To avoid disruption, the DWP has brought forward Universal Credit payments that were due on April 18, 19, 20 or 21. These payments will now be processed and paid on April 17.
In an official statement, the department explained :
To make sure people get their payment on a day when our offices are open, arrangements have been made to make some payments early – the DWP said.
This temporary adjustment affects all DWP-managed benefits with payment dates falling within the Easter weekend.
Tax Credits Replaced and Uprating Delay
The former HMRC tax credit system has been permanently shut down since April 5. Universal Credit is now the sole platform for new and ongoing claims.
Additionally, claimants will not see the 2025 benefit uprating reflected in their Universal Credit payments until after May 13. Any amounts processed before that date, including early Easter disbursements, will remain based on the 2024–2025 rates.
How Payments Are Issued and Account Options
Most benefits are paid directly into a claimant’s bank, building society, or credit union account. The DWP states on its website:
You’ll be asked for bank, building society or credit union account details when you claim.
For those unable to open or manage such an account, the department advises:
Contact the office that pays your benefit to find out how to get it paid.
This approach ensures flexibility for those with limited access to standard banking services.
The DWP’s advance payment plan aims to limit the impact of this closure by ensuring continuity of income for millions of recipients during the Easter break.
