As spring begins and the new financial year kicks off, households across the UK are set to experience a mixed financial outlook. While state pensions, benefits, and wages are rising, many essential household costs are also going up—including energy, water, and council tax. This guide breaks down who gets what, when payments are due, and what extra support you may be entitled to this April.
Overview of Key April 2025 Financial Changes
| Category | Change |
|---|---|
| DWP Benefits | Rise by 1.7% |
| State Pension | Increases by 4.1% |
| Minimum Wage | Up 6.7% (£1,400/year pay rise) |
| Universal Credit | Legacy benefit migration ongoing |
| Energy Price Cap | Up 6.4% – now £1,849/year |
| Council Tax/Water Bills | Mostly increased |
| Childcare Expansion | 15 hours free for 2-year-olds; 30 hours for under 5s by Sep 2025 |
DWP & Benefit Payment Dates – Easter 2025
If your regular benefit payment falls on:
- Friday 18 April (Good Friday)
- Monday 21 April (Easter Monday)
You will receive your payment early on Thursday 17 April.
This applies to payments for:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Child Benefit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
- Attendance Allowance
Pension Payment Dates by National Insurance Number
Your state pension is paid every four weeks, based on your National Insurance (NI) number:
| NI Ending | Payment Day |
|---|---|
| 00–19 | Monday |
| 20–39 | Tuesday |
| 40–59 | Wednesday |
| 60–79 | Thursday |
| 80–99 | Friday |
What Benefits Are Increasing in April 2025?
- Working-age benefits (Universal Credit, ESA, PIP, Carer’s Allowance, etc.) will increase by 1.7%
- State Pension increases by 4.1% in line with the triple lock, adding around £472 a year
- Minimum Wage rises by 6.7%, equalling £1,400 extra annually for full-time workers
Universal Credit Changes to Come
From April 2026:
- Standard Allowance: £7/week increase, from £91 to £98
- Health Element (for existing claimants): Frozen at £97 until 2029/30
- Health Element (for new claimants): Reduced to £50/week
Tip: If you think you qualify for the health element, it’s best to apply before April 2026.
Other Financial Help Available
Budgeting Advance Loans (Universal Credit)
Interest-free loan paid upfront and deducted monthly from benefits.
| Status | Max Loan |
|---|---|
| Single | £348 |
| Couple | £464 |
| With Children | £812 |
April 2025 Change: Repayment deduction capped at 15% of your standard allowance (down from 25%).
Charitable Grants
Charities like Turn2Us offer free grant finders for:
- Disabled people
- Carers
- Bereaved families
- Students
- Low-income households
Energy Provider Support
Companies like British Gas, EDF, Scottish Power, and Octopus offer help with bills. British Gas provides grants up to £2,000 (regardless of supplier). Apply via the British Gas Energy Trust.
Council Tax Reduction
You may be eligible for up to 100% discount on your council tax if you:
- Receive certain benefits
- Are facing serious financial hardship
Apply through your local council via the GOV.UK council tax reduction portal.
Free Childcare
- 15 hours free for 2-year-olds from April 2025
- 30 hours free for under-5s coming September 2025
- Must reapply every 3 months
- Can also apply for tax-free childcare (20% support up to £500/year)
Apply via GOV.UK Childcare Support
Energy Price Cap Update
- From April to June 2025, Ofgem’s cap rises 6.4%, taking average bills to £1,849/year
- That’s roughly £9.25/month more
- Applies to households on standard variable tariffs
Mental Health & Welfare Benefit Support
- Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7) or email [email protected]
- Mind UK:
- Emotional Support: 0300 102 1234
- Info Line: 0300 123 3393
- Welfare Benefits: 0300 222 5782
- Scope Disability Forum: Peer support for disabled people
Legacy Benefit Migration to Universal Credit
DWP is phasing out ‘legacy benefits’ by January 2026:
Affected benefits:
- Tax Credits
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
If you receive these, you should have received a Migration Notice.
Tip: Use benefit checkers like Policy in Practice to ensure you’re not missing out—£23bn in benefits go unclaimed yearly.
FAQ’s
Will my DWP benefit be paid early in April 2025?
Yes. If your payment is due on Good Friday (April 18) or Easter Monday (April 21), it will be paid early on Thursday, April 17.
How much is the state pension rising in April 2025?
The state pension will rise by 4.1%, in line with the triple lock, giving pensioners an extra £472 a year on average.
What is the new Universal Credit standard allowance for 2026?
From April 2026, the Universal Credit standard allowance will rise by £7 a week—from £91 to £98 for single claimants.
Can I get help with council tax if I’m struggling?
Yes. You can apply for a council tax reduction of up to 100% through your local authority. Discretionary relief is also available in cases of financial hardship.
Where can I find financial help beyond benefits?
You can check Turn2Us for charitable grants, contact your energy supplier for bill help, and apply for budgeting advance loans from Universal Credit.
