After a late Easter in April, May brings a series of long weekends thanks to two bank holidays.
These holidays will not only provide an opportunity for some much-needed time off but will also affect the timing of benefit and pension payments.
Bank Holidays in May
May is bookended by two bank holidays:
- Monday, 5 May kicks off the month with the first long weekend.
- The Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, 26 May concludes the month with another long weekend.
Many people will enjoy these extended breaks as banks, government offices, schools, and building societies close for the day. However, these holidays also mean that benefit and state pension payments will be altered slightly to accommodate the closures.
Changes to Benefit Payment Dates in May
Benefit payments, which are typically deposited directly into a claimant’s bank account, will be affected by the bank holidays in May.
The general rule for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is that if a payment is scheduled to be made on a weekend or bank holiday, it will instead be issued on the nearest working day beforehand.
With two bank holidays this month, here is what that means for payments:
- Payments due on Monday, 5 May will be made on Friday, 2 May.
- Payments due on Monday, 26 May will be made on Friday, 23 May.
Benefit Payment Schedule
Here’s a breakdown of the typical benefit payment frequencies, along with adjustments for the bank holidays in May:
| Benefit Type | Payment Frequency |
|---|---|
| Attendance Allowance | Every 4 weeks |
| Carer’s Allowance | Weekly in advance or every 4 weeks |
| Child Benefit | Every 4 weeks (weekly for single parents and some claimants) |
| Disability Living Allowance | Every 4 weeks |
| Employment and Support Allowance | Every 2 weeks |
| Income Support | Every 2 weeks |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance | Every 2 weeks |
| Maternity Allowance | Every 2 or 4 weeks |
| Pension Credit | Every 4 weeks |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Every 4 weeks |
| Tax Credits | Every 4 weeks or weekly |
| Universal Credit | Monthly |
If a payment is delayed beyond the expected day, claimants should check the date on their award notice and bank account. If everything looks correct but the payment hasn’t arrived, they should contact the appropriate helpline on the government website.
Pension Payment Changes in May
Pension payments follow a similar process as benefits in that they are deposited directly into claimants’ accounts.
State pensions are issued every four weeks, with the specific day of the payment depending on the last two digits of the claimant’s National Insurance (NI) number.
Here’s how pension payments correspond to NI number ranges:
| Last Two Digits of NI Number | Payment Day |
|---|---|
| 00 to 19 | Monday |
| 20 to 39 | Tuesday |
| 40 to 59 | Wednesday |
| 60 to 79 | Thursday |
| 80 to 99 | Friday |
For those who typically receive their pension on a Monday, the May bank holidays will mean that they will be paid on the first working day before each holiday:
- Friday, 2 May for the first bank holiday.
- Friday, 23 May for the second bank holiday.
May’s bank holidays offer a chance for a longer weekend, but they also necessitate changes to the usual payment schedule for benefits and pensions. It’s important for claimants to be aware of the altered dates to avoid confusion when payments are delayed.
By noting the revised dates, such as receiving payments on the Friday before the bank holidays, claimants can ensure that they receive their benefits and pensions on time.
FAQs
Why are benefit payments moved to Friday in May?
Benefit payments are adjusted to the closest working day if the payment date falls on a bank holiday or weekend.
Will my pension payment be delayed if it falls on a bank holiday?
No, pension payments are made on the first working day before the bank holiday.
Where can I check if my benefit payment hasn’t been made on time?
If you notice a delay, you can check your award notice or bank account. If there’s still no payment, contact the appropriate helpline on the government website.