As millions of UK residents prepare for the upcoming May bank holidays, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced changes to benefit and pension payment dates. To ensure people receive their funds on time, the government has confirmed early disbursement of a wide range of state support, from Universal Credit to State Pension payments.

This article breaks down what’s changing, who’s affected, and how to prepare for any payment adjustments in May 2025.

Why Early Payments Are Happening in May

The UK will observe two official bank holidays in May 2025:

• Early May Bank Holiday on Monday, May 5
• Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, May 26

When a payment date falls on a bank holiday, it is standard DWP practice to send the payment early. For May 2025, this means:

• Payments scheduled for May 5 will be issued on Friday, May 2
• Payments scheduled for May 26 will be issued on Friday, May 23

These changes are designed to ensure claimants do not experience delays due to the closure of banks and DWP offices on public holidays.

Which Benefits Will Be Paid Early?

The following benefits are confirmed to be affected by the early payment schedule:

• State Pension
• Universal Credit
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Attendance Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Carer’s Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Child Benefit
• Guardian’s Allowance

In addition to the DWP, Social Security Scotland has confirmed early payments for:

• Adult Disability Payment
• Child Disability Payment
• Scottish Child Payment
• Carer Support Payment
• Pension Age Disability Payment

Full details on how benefits are paid can be found on the official GOV.UK benefits payment page.

Important Details You Need to Know

• Only the date changes: The amount you receive remains the same. No early payment includes a bonus or reduction.
• Future schedule remains unchanged: Following the early payment, your next scheduled benefit payment will arrive on its regular date. This might mean a longer gap between payments.
• Jobcentre and DWP closures: All Jobcentre Plus offices and DWP helplines will be closed on May 5 and May 26. Services will resume on May 6 and May 27, respectively.

What To Do If Your Payment Doesn’t Arrive

If you’re expecting a payment and it doesn’t arrive by the scheduled date:

1. Wait three business days – Delays are rare, but the DWP advises allowing up to 72 hours before taking action.
2. Call the DWP Helpline – The contact number is 0800 328 5644, but avoid calling on bank holidays as services will be closed.

Recent Increases in Benefit Rates

As of April 2025, the UK government implemented a series of benefit uplifts to help keep up with inflation and wage growth:

• State Pension increased by 4.1%, bringing the full new weekly payment to £230.25.
• Working-age and Disability Benefits saw a 1.7% rise across the board.

These increases ensure that pensioners and vulnerable claimants continue to receive support in line with the cost of living.

Summary

The DWP’s confirmation of early payments in May 2025 will ensure that no one misses their benefit or pension due to bank holiday closures. This proactive approach reflects the department’s commitment to reliability and timeliness in supporting millions of claimants across the UK.

If you’re unsure about your payment schedule or wish to learn more, visit the GOV.UK Benefits Page or check with your local Jobcentre.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.