With Easter 2025 approaching, millions of benefit recipients across the UK are preparing for changes to their regular payment schedules. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed adjustments to ensure that those who rely on Universal Credit, State Pension, and other benefits receive their payments despite the bank holiday closures. This comprehensive guide outlines everything you need to know about Easter 2025 payment dates, which benefits are affected, and how to manage your finances during this period.
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Easter 2025 Bank Holiday Dates
Easter 2025 will include two bank holidays that affect payment schedules:
- Good Friday: Friday, April 18, 2025
- Easter Monday: Monday, April 21, 2025
During these dates, banks and government offices, including DWP and HMRC, will be closed. This means benefit payments cannot be processed on these days.
How Payment Dates Will Change
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that benefit payments due on either Friday, April 18 or Monday, April 21 will be paid early on Thursday, April 17, 2025. This early payment arrangement ensures that benefit recipients don’t experience delays in receiving their funds during the holiday period.
It’s important to note that:
- Only payments scheduled for the bank holiday dates are affected
- The amount paid remains unchanged – only the date changes
- The early payment is automatic – no action is required by claimants
- Regular payment schedules will resume after the Easter holiday period
Benefits Affected by the Easter Payment Schedule Change
The following benefits will be paid early if your usual payment date falls on either Good Friday or Easter Monday:
| Benefit Type | Normal Payment Schedule | Easter Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Monthly | Payments due on 18/21 April paid on 17 April |
| State Pension | Every 4 weeks | Payments due on 18/21 April paid on 17 April |
| Pension Credit | Every 4 weeks | Payments due on 18/21 April paid on 17 April |
| Child Benefit | Weekly (Monday) or monthly | Payments due on 21 April paid on 17 April |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Every 4 weeks | Payments due on 18/21 April paid on 17 April |
| Disability Living Allowance (DLA) | Every 4 weeks | Payments due on 18/21 April paid on 17 April |
| Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) | Every 2 weeks | Payments due on 18/21 April paid on 17 April |
| Income Support | Every 2 weeks | Payments due on 18/21 April paid on 17 April |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) | Every 2 weeks | Payments due on 18/21 April paid on 17 April |
| Carer’s Allowance | Weekly or every 4 weeks | Payments due on 18/21 April paid on 17 April |
| Tax Credits | Weekly or every 4 weeks | Payments due on 18/21 April paid on 17 April |
| Attendance Allowance | Every 4 weeks | Payments due on 18/21 April paid on 17 April |
April 2025 Benefit Rate Increases
In addition to the Easter payment schedule changes, April 2025 marks the beginning of the new financial year, bringing benefit rate increases. These increases are designed to help recipients manage rising living costs. Here’s a summary of the key benefit increases effective from April 2025:
| Benefit | Previous Rate | New Rate (from April 2025) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Pension (full new) | £221.20 per week | £230.25 per week | 4.1% |
| State Pension (basic) | £169.50 per week | £176.45 per week | 4.1% |
| Universal Credit (single, 25+) | £368.74 per month | £375.00 per month | 1.7% |
| PIP (daily living, enhanced) | £108.55 per week | £110.40 per week | 1.7% |
| PIP (mobility, enhanced) | £75.75 per week | £77.00 per week | 1.7% |
| ESA (support group) | £148.85 per week | £151.40 per week | 1.7% |
| Carer’s Allowance | £81.90 per week | £83.29 per week | 1.7% |
| Child Benefit (first child) | £25.60 per week | £26.03 per week | 1.7% |
| Child Benefit (additional children) | £16.95 per week | £17.24 per week | 1.7% |
The State Pension has received the largest increase at 4.1%, following the government’s “triple lock” commitment, which ensures pensions rise by whichever is highest: inflation, average wage increases, or 2.5%. Other working-age and disability benefits have been increased by 1.7%, in line with September 2024’s inflation figure.
Managing Your Finances During the Easter Period
Receiving payments earlier than usual means you’ll need to carefully manage your finances to ensure your money lasts until your next regular payment date. Here are some practical tips:
- Adjust your budget: With your payment arriving early, you’ll have a longer gap until your next payment. Plan accordingly for essential expenses.
- Create a payment calendar: Mark the early payment date (April 17) and your subsequent payment date to help you budget effectively.
- Prioritize essential bills: Ensure rent, utilities, and other essential payments are covered first.
- Contact creditors if necessary: If you anticipate difficulties meeting payment obligations, contact creditors in advance to discuss options.
- Check your bank account: Verify that your payment has arrived on April 17 if your usual payment date falls on Good Friday or Easter Monday.
What To Do If Your Payment Doesn’t Arrive
If you were expecting an early payment on April 17 but haven’t received it, follow these steps:
- Check your payment date: Confirm your regular payment date would have fallen on either April 18 or 21. Only these payments are affected by the Easter schedule change.
- Contact your bank: Speak to your bank to ensure there are no issues processing the payment.
- Contact the relevant department: If your payment is still missing, contact the appropriate service:
- Universal Credit: Check your online journal or call 0800 328 5644
- PIP: Call 0800 121 4433
- State Pension: Call 0800 731 0469
- Child Benefit: Call 0300 200 3100
- Tax Credits: Call 0345 300 3900
Note that DWP and HMRC helplines will be closed during the bank holidays, so try to resolve any issues before or after the Easter weekend.
Official Government Resources
For the most up-to-date and accurate information about benefit payments, visit these official government websites:
- DWP Payment Information: https://www.gov.uk/how-to-have-your-benefits-paid
- Bank Holiday Benefit Payments: https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit-payment-dates/bank-holidays
- Universal Credit Information: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit
- State Pension Information: https://www.gov.uk/state-pension
- Child Benefit Information: https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit
Other UK Bank Holidays in 2025 Affecting Benefit Payments
Easter isn’t the only bank holiday in 2025 that will affect benefit payment dates. Here are the other key bank holidays to be aware of:
| Bank Holiday | Date | Expected Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| Early May Bank Holiday | Monday, May 5, 2025 | Friday, May 2, 2025 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday, May 26, 2025 | Friday, May 23, 2025 |
| Summer Bank Holiday | Monday, August 25, 2025 | Friday, August 22, 2025 |
| Christmas Day | Thursday, December 25, 2025 | Wednesday, December 24, 2025 |
| Boxing Day | Friday, December 26, 2025 | Wednesday, December 24, 2025 |
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, January 1, 2026 | Wednesday, December 31, 2025 |
The same principle applies to all these dates – if your regular payment date falls on a bank holiday, you’ll receive your payment on the last working day before the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I receive less money because my payment is early? No, the amount you receive remains exactly the same. Only the payment date changes.
Do I need to contact the DWP to get my early payment? No, the payment date adjustment happens automatically. You don’t need to take any action.
What if my regular payment date isn’t on Good Friday or Easter Monday? If your payment date doesn’t fall on April 18 or 21, your payment schedule remains unchanged.
How will I know if my payment has been processed early? Check your bank account on Thursday, April 17. If your regular payment would have fallen on Good Friday or Easter Monday, it should arrive on this date.
Conclusion
The DWP’s Easter 2025 payment arrangements ensure that benefit recipients continue to receive their payments without disruption during the bank holiday period. By paying benefits early on Thursday, April 17 for those due on Good Friday (April 18) or Easter Monday (April 21), the government helps ensure financial stability for millions of people across the UK.
Understanding these changes and planning accordingly will help you manage your finances effectively during the Easter period. Remember to check your payment dates, mark your calendar, and budget carefully to account for the slightly longer interval between payments.
