The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed changes to the payment schedule for millions of Brits receiving Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), State Pension, and other benefits in May 2025.
These changes come just after the Easter bank holiday payment disruptions, where several benefits were paid early due to the holiday.
In this article, we’ll break down the key payment dates and what you can expect for your benefits this May. Whether you are receiving Universal Credit, PIP, ESA, or any other benefit, it’s important to understand when your payments will arrive.
Key May Bank Holidays and Their Impact on Payments
May 2025 brings two important bank holidays: the Early May Bank Holiday and the Spring Bank Holiday. Both holidays will affect the payment schedule for a wide range of benefits, including Universal Credit, PIP, and State Pension.
1. Early May Bank Holiday (May 5, 2025)
The Early May Bank Holiday, also known as May Day, will take place on Monday, May 5, 2025. As a result, any payments that were due on that day will instead be paid on Friday, May 2, 2025. This adjustment will apply to a variety of benefits.
For example, if you typically receive Universal Credit on the 5th of each month, this payment will arrive early, on May 2.
The same applies to other fortnightly benefits, such as Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). These payments will all be rescheduled to arrive on May 2, 2025, to avoid disruption during the bank holiday.
In addition to the fortnightly payments, the four-weekly payments of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Pension Credit, State Pension, and Child Benefit will also be advanced to May 2.
This is a common adjustment, as many benefits are scheduled for monthly or four-week intervals, and the government ensures recipients aren’t left without payment during a holiday.
2. The Effect of the April Uplift on Benefits
Due to the bank holiday on May 5, the April uprating will begin to take full effect on May 2.
For those receiving benefits that are paid every four weeks, such as PIP, DLA, and Attendance Allowance, the amount deposited into accounts will reflect the annual increase approved in April. The full increase will be applied in payments made on May 2, 2025.
The Universal Credit rise, however, will not be seen until May 13, 2025. Universal Credit is paid based on the date of the claimant’s first submission, and it follows a monthly schedule.
The uprating for Universal Credit, which typically takes place annually, will be implemented in May, so those whose assessment period spans from April 7 to May 6 will see their increased payments on May 13, 2025.
This increase in Universal Credit payments is part of the government’s plan to keep up with inflation and rising living costs. Other claimants will see the increase either later in May or in June.
The Spring Bank Holiday: What to Expect?
The Spring Bank Holiday in 2025 will occur on Monday, May 26, marking the final long weekend in May. Like the Early May Bank Holiday, any benefits due on that day will instead be paid on Friday, May 23. This ensures that beneficiaries have access to their funds before the holiday weekend begins.
This holiday will affect all benefits that are scheduled to be paid on May 26, including Universal Credit, State Pension, and all other fortnightly and four-weekly benefits.
For those who receive their payments quarterly or annually, it is important to note that any disruptions caused by the Spring Bank Holiday will be managed in advance, meaning payments will be brought forward to May 23, ensuring that there are no delays for claimants.
What to Expect for Payments on May 2?
On May 2, due to both the Early May Bank Holiday and the impact of the April uprating, a significant number of benefit payments will be processed. This will include:
- Universal Credit: If your payment date falls on May 5, it will be paid on May 2.
- Fortnightly Payments: If your benefits are paid fortnightly (such as Income Support, ESA, or Jobseeker’s Allowance), these will be rescheduled to May 2.
- Four-Weekly Payments: If you receive a four-weekly payment, such as PIP, DLA, or State Pension, you will see this payment arrive on May 2 as well, with the new uprated amount reflecting the April changes.
- Carer’s Allowance and Pension Credit: These will also be affected, with payments made early on May 2.
Claimants should be aware that although the Early May Bank Holiday falls on May 5, all payments will arrive early, ensuring no one is left without access to their benefits during the holiday period.
Understanding the Universal Credit Uplift
Universal Credit, which is paid monthly, has a fixed assessment period. For May, claimants will start seeing the increase in payments from May 13, 2025.
The uprating was triggered by the government in early April and will be reflected in the Universal Credit payment schedule in May.
For those whose assessment period is from April 7 to May 6, the increased Universal Credit payments will be deposited on May 13, 2025. Other claimants will see their increased payments deposited into their accounts in late May or June.
The increase in Universal Credit payments is important for many families, particularly those facing financial pressure due to rising living costs. The uprating aims to provide a timely boost to support claimants who are dealing with increased expenses, such as rent, food, and utilities.
How to Stay On Top of Your Payments?
If you rely on benefits such as Universal Credit, PIP, or State Pension, it is essential to be aware of the payment dates for May 2025 to avoid any confusion. To make sure you don’t miss your payment:
- Check your payment dates regularly to ensure you’re aware of any changes.
- Set up reminders on your phone or calendar to alert you of payment dates and any changes.
- Reach out to DWP if you have any doubts or need clarification about when your benefits will be paid.
Conclusion
In summary, May 2025 will see several adjustments to the payment schedule due to the Early May Bank Holiday and the Spring Bank Holiday.
Benefits such as Universal Credit, PIP, ESA, State Pension, and others will be paid earlier than usual to ensure claimants receive their payments before the long weekends.
Understanding the changes to your payment schedule will help ensure that you are not caught off guard. Be sure to check your payment dates and take note of the changes to make sure you don’t miss out on your benefits.