With Easter occurring from Friday, April 18 to Monday, April 21, recipients of benefits from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) or His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will experience adjustments to their payment dates.
Why Your Payment Date May Change
Benefits are generally paid directly into the recipient’s bank, building society, or credit union account on a fixed schedule each month.
However, the specific date can vary depending on the benefit type. When a payment date coincides with a bank holiday, the payment is usually made on the preceding working day.
Impact of Easter on Payment Dates
This year, Easter falls during the weekend, which includes Good Friday on April 18 and Easter Monday on April 21.
If your payment date is set for either of these days, or falls over the Easter weekend, you will typically receive your payment on the working day before the holiday. However, there may be exceptions, especially for those receiving Child Benefit.
Payment Schedule for Various Benefits
Here is a breakdown of the typical payment schedules for various benefits:
| Benefit | Payment Frequency |
|---|---|
| Attendance Allowance | Every four weeks |
| Carer’s Allowance | Weekly or every four weeks |
| Child Benefit | Every four weeks (or weekly if single parent or eligible for certain benefits) |
| Disability Living Allowance | Every four weeks |
| Employment and Support Allowance | Every two weeks |
| Income Support | Every two weeks |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance | Every two weeks |
| Maternity Allowance | Every two or four weeks |
| Pension Credit | Every four weeks |
| Personal Independence Payment | Every four weeks |
| State Pension | Every four weeks |
| Universal Credit | Monthly |
How Benefits are Paid by DWP and HMRC
When you claim benefits, you will be asked for your bank, building society, or credit union account details. Benefits are paid directly to your account unless there is an issue with opening or managing one.
If you do not have a bank account or face difficulties in opening one, you should contact the office that handles your benefits. For those receiving Universal Credit, reach out to the Universal Credit helpline for further guidance.
Special Child Benefit Payment Dates in 2025
The Child Benefit is paid by HMRC and has specific rules for weekends and bank holidays. Normally, it is paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. If the payment date falls on a bank holiday, it will be moved to an earlier day, as shown below.
Child Benefit Payment Dates
| Due Date | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 30 December 2024 | 31 December (NI only) |
| 17 March 2025 | 18 March (NI only) |
| 18 March 2025 | 19 March (NI only) |
| 21 April 2025 | 17 April |
| 5 May 2025 | 2 May |
| 26 May 2025 | 23 May |
| 14 July 2025 | 15 July (NI only) |
| 15 July 2025 | 16 July (NI only) |
| 4 August 2025 | 5 August (Scotland) |
| 25 August 2025 | 22 August |
| 29 December 2025 | 30 December (NI only) |
| 30 December 2025 | 31 December (NI only) |
These changes reflect the bank holidays that may impact your Child Benefit payment date.
Public Holidays in Scotland and Northern Ireland
Payments may be delayed in Scotland and Northern Ireland if a public holiday coincides with the date your benefits are due. Be sure to confirm with your bank regarding the exact payment date.
Local Holidays in Scotland
In addition to national holidays, payments in specific Scottish cities may be delayed due to local holidays. These are:
- Glasgow: Local holiday on 29 September
- Edinburgh: Local holiday on 15 September
- Dundee: Local holiday on 6 October
If you receive benefits from DWP or HMRC, you should prepare for potential changes in your payment dates due to Easter and other public holidays. Payments typically shift to the preceding working day if they fall on a holiday, but it is crucial to stay informed about these adjustments to avoid delays. Ensure you check your benefit payment schedule to know when to expect your payment during these periods.
FAQs
What happens if my benefit payment falls on a bank holiday?
Your payment will generally be made on the working day before the bank holiday.
How do I know when I will receive Child Benefit if it falls on a public holiday?
Child Benefit payments are typically adjusted to the nearest working day before a public holiday. Check the official schedule for the exact date.
Can I get my benefits paid in a different way?
Payments are usually made directly to your bank account, but if there is an issue, contact the relevant office for an alternative payment method.
Will payments be delayed in Scotland or Northern Ireland due to local holidays?
Yes, certain local holidays can delay payments. Verify with your bank for the specific dates.