The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a crucial update regarding benefit and state pension payments for May 2025.
Due to upcoming bank holidays, payment schedules will be adjusted to ensure timely disbursement. Understanding these changes is vital for effective financial planning.
Upcoming Bank Holidays in May 2025
In May 2025, two bank holidays will affect payment schedules:
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May
On these dates, banks and government offices will be closed, necessitating adjustments to payment dates .
Adjusted Payment Dates for Benefits and Pensions
To accommodate the bank holidays, the DWP will issue payments earlier than usual. The adjusted payment dates are as follows:
| Original Payment Date | Adjusted Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Monday, 5 May | Friday, 2 May |
| Monday, 26 May | Friday, 23 May |
This adjustment applies to various benefits and pensions, including:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Child Benefit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Tax Credits
- Maternity Allowance
It’s important to note that Universal Credit is typically paid monthly, while other benefits may be paid weekly or every four weeks. Claimants should verify their specific payment schedules.
State Pension Payment Schedule
State Pension payments are usually made every four weeks, with the specific payment day determined by the last two digits of the claimant’s National Insurance (NI) number:
| NI Number Ending | Payment Day |
|---|---|
| 00 to 19 | Monday |
| 20 to 39 | Tuesday |
| 40 to 59 | Wednesday |
| 60 to 79 | Thursday |
| 80 to 99 | Friday |
For those whose payment day falls on a bank holiday Monday, the payment will be made on the preceding Friday. For example, if your payment is due on Monday, 5 May, it will be deposited on Friday, 2 May .
Impact on Financial Planning
Receiving payments earlier than usual may lead to a longer interval before the next payment, potentially affecting budgeting. Claimants are advised to plan accordingly to ensure financial stability throughout the month.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Delayed
If you do not receive your payment on the adjusted date:
- Check Your Bank Account: Ensure the payment hasn’t been deposited.
- Review Your Award Notice: Confirm the scheduled payment date.
- Contact the Appropriate Helpline: If the payment is missing, reach out to the DWP or HMRC for assistance.
The DWP’s adjustments to benefit and state pension payment dates in May 2025 are essential to accommodate bank holidays.
Being aware of these changes and planning accordingly will help ensure financial stability during this period.
FAQs
Why are benefit payments being adjusted in May 2025?
Payments are adjusted to account for bank holidays on 5 May and 26 May, ensuring claimants receive funds before closures.
Will my payment amount change due to the adjusted dates?
No, only the payment date changes; the amount remains the same.
What should I do if I don’t receive my payment on the adjusted date?
Check your bank account and award notice, then contact the DWP or HMRC helpline if the payment is missing.