As Easter approaches, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have confirmed that there will be adjustments to benefit payments, tax credits, and state pensions in light of the upcoming Easter bank holiday weekend.
These changes are aimed at ensuring that recipients of certain benefits receive their payments earlier than expected.
Early Payments for Easter Bank Holiday
Due to the Easter holiday weekend, which includes Good Friday (April 18) and Easter Monday (April 21), several benefit payments that would normally be due on these days will be made earlier.
Specifically, payments for benefits such as Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which are typically scheduled for Good Friday or Easter Monday, will now be processed early on Thursday, April 17.
A DWP spokesperson explained, “To ensure that people receive their payments on time, while our offices are open, we have arranged to make some payments ahead of schedule.”
However, claimants whose regular payment dates fall outside the bank holiday period will receive their payments on the usual date directly into their bank or building society accounts.
Affected Payment Dates and Benefits
With Easter Sunday falling on April 20 this year, both Good Friday (April 18) and Easter Monday (April 21) are official bank holidays. As a result, payments that are usually due on these dates will be processed earlier, on Thursday, April 17.
This arrangement ensures that claimants do not have to wait until after the holiday weekend to receive their payments. Importantly, the payment amount will remain unchanged, despite the earlier payout.
These changes affect payments from both the DWP and HMRC and are in line with similar adjustments made during other holiday seasons, including Christmas.
Impacted HMRC Payments
The following HMRC payments will be impacted by the Easter date change:
- Guardian’s Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Tax credits, including Working Tax Credit
Affected DWP Payments
The following DWP payments will be affected:
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Universal Credit
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Pension Credit
- State Pension
- Income Support
DWP Payment Schedule and Jobcentre Closures
Typically, Universal Credit is paid every four weeks, and State Pension payments are scheduled based on the last two digits of your National Insurance number. The DWP also announced that Jobcentres, along with DWP offices and phone lines, will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Normal services will resume on Tuesday, April 22. The timing of these changes also coincides with the 1.7 percent uprating of all benefits in April, which aligns with the September 2024 inflation figure. This increase applies to working-age benefits such as Universal Credit, PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, ESA, and more.
Affected Payments and Benefits
| Change | Description |
|---|---|
| Personal details | Notify if your name, address, or doctor changes. |
| Changes in health or care needs | Inform if your condition worsens, or if you need more or less assistance. |
| Terminal condition | If your condition has worsened, and you’re expected to live for less than 12 months, report it. |
| Hospital or care home admission | Notify the DWP if you go into hospital or a care home. |
| Travelling abroad | Inform the DWP if you go abroad for more than 4 weeks. |
| Incarceration or detention | Report if you’re imprisoned or detained. |
| Change in immigration status | If you’re not a British citizen, inform the DWP if your immigration status changes. |
The adjustments made to benefit payment dates ahead of the Easter bank holiday weekend ensure that claimants will receive their payments on time without any delays due to the holiday closures.
This proactive approach is part of the DWP and HMRC’s ongoing effort to support recipients during national holidays and festive seasons, ensuring they are not left waiting for essential financial support.
FAQs
What is the date for early benefit payments this Easter?
Early payments will be made on Thursday, April 17, for benefits that would typically fall on Good Friday (April 18) or Easter Monday (April 21).
Will the payment amounts change due to the early payment?
No, the payment amounts will remain unchanged despite the early processing.
What will happen to payments scheduled outside the Easter holidays?
Payments scheduled for dates outside the Easter bank holidays will be processed as usual, with no changes to the payment date.