Each year in the UK, bank holidays like Easter affect the regular schedule of government benefit payments. In 2025, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has once again confirmed that certain payments will be made early to avoid delays caused by the Easter bank holiday closures.
If you or someone you support receives benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Benefit, or State Pension, this guide will help you know what to expect, when payments will be made, and how to manage your money accordingly.
Overview
Here’s a summary of the Easter 2025 benefit payment schedule:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Dates | Friday, July 18 (Good Friday) and Monday, July 21 |
| New Payment Date | Thursday, July 17, 2025 |
| Affected Benefits | Universal Credit, PIP, DLA, State Pension, Child Benefit, Tax Credits |
| Reason for Early Payment | Bank holidays delay processing |
| Official Info | Available at DWP.gov.uk |
Why Easter Affects Benefit Payments
UK banks and government offices close on national holidays, including Good Friday and Easter Monday. This pause in operations means payments that fall on those dates must be processed earlier to ensure people aren’t left without vital funds.
For 2025, the DWP will issue payments due on July 18 or July 21 early, on Thursday, July 17.
Which Benefits Are Paid Early?
If your usual payment date falls on Good Friday (July 18) or Easter Monday (July 21), you’ll receive your payment early. Affected benefits include:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Child Benefit
- Tax Credits
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit
- Guardian’s Allowance
If your payment is due on a different date, your schedule remains unchanged. Always check your award notice or contact DWP for confirmation.
What to Do If You Don’t Get Paid
If you expected a payment by Thursday, July 17 but haven’t received it, follow these steps:
- Check your bank account – Payments may arrive at different times of the day.
- Confirm your payment schedule – Review your benefit letter or online DWP account.
- Contact the DWP or HMRC – Use gov.uk to find the right contact details. Offices reopen on Tuesday, July 22, so prepare to wait until then if you need help.
Delays are rare but not impossible, especially during busy holiday periods.
Budgeting for an Early Payment
Getting your payment early may feel like an unexpected bonus, but it also means a longer wait until your next payment. Planning ahead is essential to make your money last.
1. Use a Mini-Budget
Break your income into weekly or daily amounts using free budgeting tools like the MoneyHelper planner.
2. Postpone Non-Essentials
Save discretionary spending for later and focus on essentials like food, housing, and energy.
3. Build an Emergency Buffer
If you can, set aside a small portion of your payment to cover emergencies later in the month.
4. Monitor Spending Daily
Track expenses to spot spending habits and prevent unplanned purchases.
5. Get Support
If you find budgeting tough, talk to a charity adviser or contact MoneyHelper for free guidance.
Jane from Leeds
Jane is a single mum of two. Her Universal Credit and Child Benefit were due on Monday, July 21, but arrived on Thursday, July 17 instead. She used the early funds to buy groceries and pay her electricity bill before Easter.
Knowing it would be 32 days until her next payment, Jane used a budgeting app to create weekly spending goals. She limited non-essential purchases and stayed within her budget. Thanks to some planning, she avoided taking on debt and made it through the month comfortably.
- Check your bank account on Thursday, July 17 if your payment usually arrives on July 18 or 21
- Visit DWP.gov.uk for up-to-date information
- If no payment arrives, wait until Tuesday, July 22 before contacting support
- Use budgeting tools and community support to manage your finances
With a bit of preparation, you can enjoy the Easter weekend without financial stress, even with a few schedule adjustments.
FAQs
When will Easter payments be made in 2025?
Payments due on July 18 or 21 will be paid early on July 17.
Which benefits are affected?
Universal Credit, PIP, State Pension, Child Benefit, Tax Credits, and others.
What should I do if I don’t get paid?
Check your bank and contact DWP if funds aren’t in by July 22.
Why are payments made early before holidays?
Bank holidays delay processing, so payments are sent early to help people prepare.
How can I make my early payment last longer?
Use a budget, track spending, and delay non-essentials to stretch your funds.
