As the Easter bank holidays approach, many Universal Credit claimants will experience changes to their payment schedules. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that due to the bank holidays on Good Friday, April 18, and Easter Monday, April 21, payments will be made earlier than usual for those affected.
For individuals expecting their Universal Credit payments on these dates, the DWP has confirmed that they will receive their funds on Thursday, April 17, instead. This adjustment is necessary because DWP offices, including Job Centre Plus, will be closed during the holiday period, and no payments can be processed on the bank holidays.
Claimants should be aware that while they may receive their payments earlier, they will need to budget for a longer wait until their next payment, as the normal payment schedule will resume after the Easter weekend. If your payment is due on any day other than Good Friday or Easter Monday, it will arrive in your account as scheduled, and the amount will remain unchanged.
In addition to Universal Credit, other benefits such as Child Benefit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and the State Pension will also be affected by the holiday schedule. The DWP has advised that claimants check their payment dates to avoid any confusion.
According to reports from the Liverpool ECHO, the Easter holiday dates will disrupt the usual payment cycle for those receiving benefits. Payments for Universal Credit are typically made monthly on a specific date based on when the claimant received their first payment. If, for example, a claimant's first payment was received on February 21, subsequent payments would be processed on the 21st of each month. However, if the due date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, the payment is moved to the previous working day.
As a result, any payments due on April 18, 19, 20, or 21 will be processed on April 17. Claimants are encouraged to budget carefully, especially following the Easter weekend when expenses may be higher. Benefit advisors emphasize the importance of ensuring that individuals can afford essential items such as food during the extended wait for their next payment.
Furthermore, the DWP has implemented a 1.7% increase in working-age benefits, including Universal Credit and Child Benefit, in line with inflation figures from September 2024. This increase took effect on April 7, 2025, but claimants will not see this adjustment reflected in their payments until their assessment period begins on or after that date. For instance, those whose assessment period runs from April 7 to May 6 will first see the increased amount in their payment on May 13.
For those concerned about their payments, the DWP provides a helpline for Universal Credit inquiries at 0800 328 5644, available Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm. However, it's important to note that helplines will be closed over the Easter bank holidays, so claimants should ensure they verify their payment status before the holiday period begins.
Job Centres, which serve as a resource for those claiming benefits like Universal Credit, will also be closed during the bank holidays. The DWP has stated that Job Centre Plus offices and phone lines will not operate on Good Friday and Easter Monday, and they will reopen on April 23. This closure may impact individuals seeking assistance or advice during the holiday.
In March, the DWP outlined plans to overhaul Jobcentres, deploying 1,000 work coaches to assist the long-term unemployed. These coaches will provide tailored support, including help with writing CVs and interview techniques, as part of the government's initiative to enhance the disability benefits system.
As the Easter weekend approaches, it is crucial for claimants to stay informed about their benefits and payment schedules. With changes in payment dates and the closure of support services, individuals are encouraged to plan accordingly to ensure they have the necessary funds to cover their expenses during this time.
In summary, the upcoming Easter bank holidays will lead to earlier payments for Universal Credit and other benefits, with claimants receiving their funds on April 17 instead of the usual dates. While this adjustment may provide immediate relief, it is essential for individuals to budget wisely to navigate the longer wait until their next payment arrives.
