Easter 2025 is coming up fast, and with it, some important changes are being made to DWP benefit payment dates in the UK.
Since Easter falls between Friday, 18 April, and Monday, 21 April, both of which are bank holidays, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that early payments will be made.
If you’re receiving Universal Credit, Child Benefit, State Pension, or other government support, here’s everything you need to know to avoid being caught off guard.
Table of Content
Why
Easter weekend includes two national bank holidays—Good Friday and Easter Monday. On these days, most government departments, including the DWP, are closed.
To make sure no one experiences a delay in receiving vital payments, the DWP has moved any payments due on 18 or 21 April forward to Thursday, 17 April 2025.
This is a common practice during public holidays, ensuring that people relying on benefits still receive them on time and can budget accordingly over the long weekend.
Payments
To make things crystal clear, here’s a table that shows exactly what benefits are affected and how the dates will change. There’s also a column showing how much each benefit is expected to increase starting April 2025.
| Benefit / Payment Type | Original Payment Date | Revised Easter 2025 Date | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Friday, 18 April | Thursday, 17 April | 1.7% |
| State Pension | Monday, 21 April | Thursday, 17 April | 4.1% |
| Child Benefit | 18 or 21 April | Thursday, 17 April | 1.7% |
| Disability Living Allowance | 18 or 21 April | Thursday, 17 April | 1.7% |
| Personal Independence Payment | 18 or 21 April | Thursday, 17 April | 1.7% |
| Carer’s Allowance | 18 or 21 April | Thursday, 17 April | 1.7% |
If your payment was scheduled for either of those bank holiday dates, you’ll get it a bit earlier—just in time for Easter weekend.
Impact
So, what does this actually mean for you? It’s simple—if you normally get your benefits on 18 or 21 April, you’ll now receive them on 17 April. The amount stays the same, only the date changes. It gives you a bit more breathing room before the long weekend starts.
If your benefit date isn’t on either of those days, nothing changes. Your payments will arrive as usual.
Who
The early Easter payment shift will affect people receiving a wide range of benefits. Here’s the full list of what’s included:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension (both Basic and New)
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
If you’re on any of these and your usual payment date is on 18 or 21 April, expect the money to come in on 17 April instead.
Increases
The good news doesn’t stop at early payments. Starting April 2025, a number of benefits will see increases. These are meant to help keep up with rising living costs and inflation. Here’s a breakdown:
| Benefit | Current Amount | New Amount (April 2025) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Pension (New full) | £221.20/week | £230.25/week | 4.1% |
| State Pension (Basic) | £169.50/week | £176.45/week | 4.1% |
| Universal Credit (single 25+) | £368.74/month | £375.99/month | 1.7% |
| Carer’s Allowance | £81.90/week | £83.29/week | 1.7% |
| Child Benefit (first child) | £24.00/week | £24.41/week | 1.7% |
| Child Benefit (additional children) | £15.90/week | £16.17/week | 1.7% |
These increases come into effect in April 2025 and will apply to your first full payment of the new tax year.
Holidays
Easter isn’t the only time DWP shifts payment dates. Other UK bank holidays coming up later in the year may also lead to adjusted schedules. Here’s a quick look:
| Bank Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Early May Bank Holiday | Monday, 5 May |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday, 26 May |
| Summer Bank Holiday | Monday, 25 August |
| Christmas Day | Thursday, 25 Dec |
| Boxing Day | Friday, 26 Dec |
If your benefit is due near any of these dates, keep an eye out for potential changes and announcements from the DWP.
FAQs
When will I get my Easter 2025 DWP payment?
Payments due on 18 or 21 April will arrive early on 17 April.
Does the early payment affect how much I get?
No, the payment amount remains the same—only the date changes.
Which benefits are affected by Easter 2025 changes?
Universal Credit, State Pension, Child Benefit, PIP, and others.
Will there be a benefit increase in April 2025?
Yes, most benefits will increase between 1.7% and 4.1%.
What if my payment date is not on a holiday?
Your schedule stays the same—no changes will be made.
