If you receive benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), your payment dates in April 2025 may change due to the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, which falls from Friday, April 18 to Monday, April 21. It’s important to know when to expect your payments so you can plan your finances accordingly.
This guide will explain who is affected, how different benefits are normally paid, and what the rescheduled payment dates are for Child Benefit and other key allowances around Easter and other public holidays in 2025.
Why Are Payment Dates Changing?
Most UK benefits are paid directly into your bank, building society, or credit union account. While they’re usually paid on a regular schedule (weekly, biweekly, or monthly), bank holidays can disrupt these dates.
If your payment is due on a bank holiday, you’ll usually receive it earlier—on the last working day before the holiday.
Easter 2025 Bank Holidays
- Good Friday: April 18, 2025
- Easter Monday: April 21, 2025
If your benefit is due on either of these days, your payment will likely arrive on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
How Often Are DWP Benefits Paid?
| Benefit Type | Usual Payment Frequency |
|---|---|
| Attendance Allowance | Every four weeks |
| Carer’s Allowance | Weekly in advance or every four weeks |
| Child Benefit (HMRC) | Every four weeks or weekly (in some cases) |
| Disability Living Allowance | Every four weeks |
| Employment and Support Allowance | Every two weeks |
| Income Support | Every two weeks |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance | Every two weeks |
| Maternity Allowance | Every two or four weeks |
| Pension Credit | Every four weeks |
| Personal Independence Payment | Every four weeks |
| State Pension | Every four weeks |
| Universal Credit | Every month |
HMRC Child Benefit Payment Date Changes 2025
Child Benefit, paid by HMRC, operates on a slightly different schedule and is often affected by UK-wide and local holidays.
Here are the confirmed changes for 2025:
| Original Due Date | New Payment Date | Region Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 21 April 2025 | 17 April 2025 | UK-wide (Easter Monday) |
| 5 May 2025 | 2 May 2025 | UK-wide |
| 26 May 2025 | 23 May 2025 | UK-wide |
| 25 August 2025 | 22 August 2025 | UK-wide |
| 30 December 2025 | 31 December 2025 | Northern Ireland only |
| 17 March 2025 | 18 March 2025 | Northern Ireland only |
| 18 March 2025 | 19 March 2025 | Northern Ireland only |
| 14 July 2025 | 15 July 2025 | Northern Ireland only |
| 15 July 2025 | 16 July 2025 | Northern Ireland only |
| 4 August 2025 | 5 August 2025 | Scotland only |
| 29 December 2025 | 30 December 2025 | Northern Ireland only |
| 30 December 2025 | 31 December 2025 | Northern Ireland only |
Tip: Payments may arrive late if your bank is closed on the day HMRC or DWP processes your payment. Always check with your bank if you’re unsure.
Local Holidays That May Cause Delays (Scotland)
If you live in Scotland, local public holidays may also delay your benefit payment. These are not national bank holidays, so they affect only certain areas:
- Glasgow: Local holiday on 29 September 2025
- Edinburgh: Local holiday on 15 September 2025
- Dundee: Local holiday on 6 October 2025
What to Do If You Don’t Receive Your Payment
If your payment doesn’t arrive as expected:
- Wait until at least the next working day
- Contact your benefit provider’s helpline
- For Universal Credit, call the Universal Credit helpline
- For Child Benefit, contact HMRC’s Child Benefit office
You’ll need your National Insurance number and personal details to make an enquiry.
If your usual benefit payment falls on Good Friday or Easter Monday, expect to be paid on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The same applies for Child Benefit, which will be paid early if it lands on a holiday. Be sure to plan ahead, especially during long weekends, and contact your benefit office if there are any issues.
Staying informed about public holidays and local holidays can help you avoid financial stress and ensure your budgeting stays on track.
FAQ’s
Will my benefit payment be early due to Easter 2025?
Yes. If your payment is due on Good Friday (April 18) or Easter Monday (April 21), it will likely be paid early on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Which benefits are affected by Easter 2025 bank holidays?
DWP benefits like Universal Credit, PIP, ESA, and State Pension may be paid early. HMRC’s Child Benefit will also be paid early if due on a holiday.
How often is Child Benefit paid?
Child Benefit is usually paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday, but it may be paid weekly if you’re a single parent or receive certain benefits.
What if I don’t receive my payment on the expected date?
If your payment is late, wait until the next working day, then contact your benefit office or helpline to report the issue.
Do local holidays in Scotland affect benefit payments?
Yes. Cities like Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dundee have local holidays that may delay payments. Always check with your bank or benefit office for local updates.
