Benefit payment dates 2025: early payments over Easter as DWP and HMRC dates moved - including Child Benefit

• Easter bank holidays may affect benefit payment dates in April 2025

• Payments due on Good Friday (April 18) or Easter Monday (April 21) will arrive early

• Most early payments will be made on Thursday, April 17

• Universal Credit, Child Benefit, and State Pension among affected benefits

• Claimants should check accounts early and plan ahead for longer gaps between payments

UK households who receive certain benefits may find their usual payment dates changed this Easter due to the bank holidays.

Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at yourworld.net/submit. It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have confirmed that some claimants will receive their money earlier than usual if their scheduled date falls on a bank holiday.

This year, Good Friday falls on Friday, April 18, and Easter Monday on Monday, April 21.

As government departments do not process payments on bank holidays, this means that benefit payments due on either of these dates are expected to be paid on Thursday, April 17 instead.  

The adjustment affects a wide range of benefits, including:

 Attendance AllowanceCarer’s Allowance

• Child Benefit

• Employment Support Allowance (ESA)

• Guardian’s Allowance

• Income Support

• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

• Pension Credit

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

• State PensionUniversal Credit 

When will Universal Credit be paid?

Universal Credit is typically paid on the same date each month. If your usual payment date falls on April 18 or April 21, you should expect your money to arrive on April 17. The same rule applies to State Pension and other DWP-managed benefits.

When is Child Benefit paid?

Child Benefit is usually paid every four weeks, typically on a Monday or Tuesday. This means that if your regular payment is due on Easter Monday (April 21), it will instead be paid on Thursday, April 17.

It’s important to note that receiving your benefit earlier than normal does not mean you’ll get more money - it simply means that the payment cycle has been brought forward.

As a result, the gap between this and your next scheduled payment will be slightly longer than usual. Budgeting carefully over the Easter period can help ensure you don’t run short during this extended wait.

I haven’t been paid, what should I do?

If you are expecting a payment and it doesn’t arrive, your first step should be to check your bank account to confirm whether the money has landed.

If your expected payment date is correct and the funds are missing, you should contact the relevant DWP or HMRC helpline.

But be aware that helplines may not be open on bank holidays, so it’s a good idea to check as early as possible, ideally before the long weekend begins.

To avoid last-minute stress, it’s also worth checking your online benefit account, if you have one, for any updates or notices about changes to your payment schedule.

For further details or urgent enquiries, keep note of the contact information for the DWP or HMRC - but do so before the bank holidays begin to ensure support is available.

Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at yourworld.net/submit. It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.