The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed changes to benefit payment dates in May 2025.
These adjustments affect a wide range of financial support programs, including Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and the State Pension.
The changes are due to upcoming May bank holidays, and affected recipients will receive their payments earlier than usual.
Why Are DWP Payment Dates Changing in May 2025?
May 2025 features two UK bank holidays:
- Monday, 5 May 2025 – Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, 26 May 2025 – Spring Bank Holiday
Since DWP does not issue payments on bank holidays, scheduled benefits that would fall on these days will be paid early, typically on the Friday before the holiday.
Revised Payment Dates for May 2025
Below is a summary of changes for those expecting payments around the bank holidays:
| Scheduled Payment Date | New Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Monday, 5 May 2025 | Friday, 2 May 2025 |
| Monday, 26 May 2025 | Friday, 23 May 2025 |
These adjustments apply to several benefits administered by DWP.
Benefits Affected by the May Date Changes
The following benefits will see early payment if the normal date falls on a bank holiday:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- PIP (Personal Independence Payment)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Pension Credit
- Child Benefit
- Tax Credits
Only recipients whose payment falls specifically on 5 or 26 May will be affected. All others will receive their money as usual.
How Often Are DWP Benefits Paid?
Understanding how often your benefit is paid helps in planning around date changes:
| Benefit | Payment Frequency |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Monthly |
| State Pension | Every 4 weeks |
| PIP / DLA / Attendance Allowance | Every 4 weeks |
| Carer’s Allowance | Weekly or every 4 weeks |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance | Every 2 weeks |
| Income Support | Every 2 weeks |
| ESA | Every 2 weeks |
| Child Benefit | Every 4 weeks (or weekly for some) |
| Tax Credits | Weekly or every 4 weeks |
What to Do If You Don’t Receive Your Payment
If your payment doesn’t arrive on the revised date:
- Check your online benefit account for the scheduled payment.
- Allow until the end of the day before taking action.
- Contact the relevant DWP service only if the payment is still missing after the expected date.
The May 2025 DWP payment date changes ensure recipients are not impacted by UK bank holidays. If your regular benefit payment is due on either 5 or 26 May, expect to receive it earlier, on 2 or 23 May.
With these changes in place, planning ahead and staying informed is key to managing your budget smoothly during the month.
FAQs
Will the amount I receive be affected by the date change?
No, only the payment date is changing. Your benefit amount remains the same.
What if my usual payment date is not on a holiday?
Your payment will not be affected if it falls on a regular working day.
Can I choose to receive the payment on my usual date instead?
No. DWP processes payments in advance to ensure no one is left without support during a public holiday.