
DWP Easter 2025 Payment Dates: As the Easter holidays approach, millions of people across the UK who rely on Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits may be wondering: When will my payment arrive? Bank holidays, like Good Friday and Easter Monday, often shift scheduled payments. If you’re receiving Universal Credit, State Pension, Child Benefit, or other support, it’s important to know when to expect your money in April 2025.
DWP Easter 2025 Payment Dates
If you’re receiving DWP benefits or pensions this Easter, mark your calendar for Thursday, 17 April 2025. With bank holidays on 18 and 21 April, your usual payment date might shift. Staying informed not only helps avoid surprises but empowers you to budget better and plan ahead.
Benefit / Payment Type | Original Payment Date | Revised Easter 2025 Date | Annual Increase (from April 2025) |
---|---|---|---|
Universal Credit | Friday, 18 April (Good Friday) | Thursday, 17 April | 1.7% |
State Pension | Monday, 21 April (Easter Monday) | Thursday, 17 April | 4.1% |
Child Benefit | 18 or 21 April | Thursday, 17 April | 1.7% |
Disability Living Allowance | 18 or 21 April | Thursday, 17 April | 1.7% |
Personal Independence Payment | 18 or 21 April | Thursday, 17 April | 1.7% |
Carer’s Allowance | 18 or 21 April | Thursday, 17 April | 1.7% |
Why Are DWP Easter 2025 Payment Dates Changing?
Easter in 2025 falls on the weekend of 18–21 April, with Good Friday on April 18 and Easter Monday on April 21. These are UK-wide bank holidays, meaning most banks and government offices will be closed.
As a result, the DWP ensures no one is left waiting for their essential income by bringing payments forward to Thursday, April 17 for those scheduled to be paid on these two dates. This change applies whether you’re receiving weekly, fortnightly, or monthly payments.
Who Is Affected by the Easter Payment Changes?
If you normally receive your benefits or pension on a Friday or Monday, and that date falls on 18 or 21 April 2025, your payment will arrive on Thursday, 17 April 2025 instead.
Benefits Affected:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension (New and Basic)
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
No changes are expected for payment dates that do not fall on a bank holiday.
Practical Tips to Manage Early Payments
Getting paid earlier might sound like a bonus—but if you’re not careful, it could stretch your finances thin before the next payment arrives.
Here’s how to manage:
1. Update Your Budget
Adjust your spending calendar to reflect the earlier income. Remember: this doesn’t mean you’ll get an extra payment—it just arrives early.
2. Set Payment Reminders
Use your phone or a calendar to set a reminder for the early payment and avoid confusion.
3. Communicate With Utility Providers
If you’re on tight schedules for bills or direct debits, consider moving due dates or alerting providers in advance.
4. Use Budgeting Tools
Online platforms like MoneyHelper and Turn2Us offer calculators and free advice to help with money planning.
April 2025 Benefit Increases Explained
Each year, the UK government reviews and adjusts benefit rates to reflect inflation and other economic changes. From 7 April 2025, many payments will increase.
State Pension (4.1% increase)
- New full State Pension rises from £221.20 to £230.25 per week.
- Basic State Pension increases from £169.50 to £176.45 per week.
These increases reflect the triple lock system, which ensures pensions rise by whichever is highest: inflation, earnings growth, or 2.5%.
Universal Credit (1.7% increase)
- For example, a single adult (25+) will see a rise from £368.74 to around £375.99 per month.
Carer’s Allowance (1.7% increase)
- Increases from £81.90 to £83.29 per week.
Child Benefit
- First child: £24.00 → £24.41/week
- Additional children: £15.90 → £16.17/week
What to Do If You Don’t Receive Your Payment?
If you don’t see your payment on Thursday, April 17:
- Wait Until Midday – Payments often arrive between midnight and noon.
- Check Your Bank Account – Confirm you’re looking at the right bank or building society.
- Contact Your Bank First – Occasionally, delays are on their end.
- Then Contact DWP – If your payment is still missing, call the appropriate DWP helpline. Phone numbers are available on your award letter or via GOV.UK.
Future Payment Changes to Watch
Other 2025 bank holidays that could affect benefit payments include:
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 August
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December
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DWP Confirms Universal Credit Changes—How Much More Will You Get in April 2025?
Frequently Asked Questions About DWP Easter 2025 Payment Dates
Will I be paid less because it’s early?
No. The payment amount remains unchanged—only the date is moved.
Do I need to request the early payment?
No. The DWP will automatically adjust your payment date.
Will this change my future payment schedule?
No. After Easter, your regular payment cycle resumes as normal.
What if I receive multiple benefits?
Each benefit is treated separately. However, most will arrive together on the revised date if they were originally due during the holiday.
Are the increases confirmed?
Yes. The 2025-2026 benefit increases were confirmed by the Chancellor during the Autumn Statement 2024.