The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK has announced an important update for millions of people who rely on state benefits and pensions.
Due to the upcoming May bank holiday, several payments will be made earlier than usual. This includes payments like the State Pension, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and more.
The reason behind this early payment is the closure of DWP offices and phone lines on Monday, May 5, for the bank holiday. To avoid any payment delays, the government is making sure that beneficiaries get their money in advance.
Let’s break down what this means for you and who is affected by this change.
What Exactly Is Changing?
Normally, benefit payments scheduled for Monday, May 5, would be processed on that day. But since it’s a bank holiday and DWP offices will be closed, those payments will now be made earlier—on Friday, May 2.
This change helps prevent any inconvenience or financial stress that people might face due to the long weekend. If your usual payment date falls on Monday, May 5, you can expect the money to arrive in your account by Friday instead.
A statement from the DWP said:
“On Monday, 5 May, offices and phone lines are closed. To make sure people get their payment on a day when our offices are open, arrangements have been made to make some payments early.”
Which Benefits Will Be Paid Early?
The early payment applies to a wide range of state benefits and allowances, including:
- State Pension
- Universal Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
- Attendance Allowance
If you’re receiving any of the above and were supposed to get paid on May 5, your money will now come in on May 2.
In addition to DWP, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Social Security Scotland have also updated their schedules. For example:
- Child Benefit payments by HMRC will be paid early on May 2.
- Social Security Scotland has also confirmed the early release of several payments.
Who Is Not Affected by This Change?
It’s important to understand that this change only applies to people who are due to receive payments on Monday, May 5.
If your regular payment date is any other day, like Tuesday, Wednesday, or even Friday (May 2), your payment schedule stays the same. There is no change if your payment doesn’t fall on the bank holiday.
Also, some payments under Social Security Scotland, such as Best Start Foods, will not be affected and will be made as usual.
Upcoming Holiday Changes: What to Expect Later in May?
This won’t be the only early payment happening in May. There is another bank holiday coming up—the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, May 26.
For those scheduled to receive benefits on that day, payments will again be made earlier, on Friday, May 23.
Although DWP has not issued a full public announcement about the May 26 date just yet, HMRC and Social Security Scotland have already confirmed that their payments, including Child Benefit, will follow the same early schedule.
So, if you’re expecting a benefit payment on Monday, May 26, keep an eye on your account on the Friday before.
What About Jobcentres and DWP Services?
As part of the bank holiday schedule, all DWP offices, Jobcentres, and helplines will be closed on Monday, May 5.
This means you won’t be able to call or visit any DWP location on that day. But don’t worry—normal services will resume on Tuesday, May 6, and everything will be back to regular operations.
If you have any questions or need support, it’s best to reach out before May 5 or wait until May 6 when services reopen.
Why Does This Matter?
For many people, benefit payments are a vital source of income used to pay for essential items like food, bills, rent, or medical costs. Any delay—even for a single day—can cause financial stress.
That’s why these early payment changes are helpful. They allow people to plan their expenses without worrying about delays during the bank holiday.
Moreover, by informing people early, DWP helps avoid confusion or panic about missing payments. It also shows the government’s effort to keep things smooth for everyone during national holidays.
Quick Recap: What You Should Know?
- Payments due on Monday, May 5, will be paid early on Friday, May 2.
- This includes State Pension, Universal Credit, PIP, ADP, Attendance Allowance, and Child Benefit.
- Jobcentres and DWP helplines will be closed on May 5.
- Services will reopen on Tuesday, May 6.
- If your payment is due on any other date, there’s no change.
- A similar early payment change is expected for Monday, May 26, with payments likely made on Friday, May 23.
What Should You Do Next?
If you’re expecting a payment on May 5, check your bank account on May 2 to confirm it has arrived. If it doesn’t, wait until May 6 to contact DWP, since the offices will be closed on May 5.
It’s also a good idea to mark your calendar for the Spring Bank Holiday on May 26, so you can plan.