The Easter holidays in April 2025 are changing how and when many people in the UK will receive their government benefits. If you’re someone who gets help from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), you may get your money earlier than usual this month. This is because payments are not made on bank holidays or weekends.
Good Friday and Easter Monday are both public holidays in the UK. Since many people were scheduled to receive payments around this time, DWP and HMRC have made changes to ensure no one misses out. They’ve decided to move payment dates forward to avoid any delays caused by the long weekend.
This update applies to people receiving Universal Credit, pensions, and other common benefits. Although your payment will come early, the amount won’t change. It’s just a schedule adjustment to help people manage their finances better during the holidays. If you’re one of the recipients, knowing the updated dates can help you plan your spending and avoid stress.
Revised DWP and HMRC Payments for Easter
Why Payment Dates Are Changing
Easter weekend includes two bank holidays — Good Friday on April 18 and Easter Monday on April 21. Since government offices don’t process payments during weekends or holidays, the benefits that were due between April 18 and April 21 will now be paid earlier.
Anyone expecting money on these dates will receive it instead on Thursday, April 17, 2025. This applies across various kinds of benefits.
Who Gets Paid Early?
List of Benefits Affected
If your benefit falls on one of the adjusted dates, you’ll receive it early. These are the benefits included:
Even though the date is earlier, the amount stays the same. Your next payment will still follow your normal cycle, so plan your budget carefully as the wait may feel longer.
How to Get Your Benefit Payments
Most DWP and HMRC payments are sent straight to your bank, building society, or credit union account. When you apply for any benefit, you’ll be asked to provide your account information.
If you don’t have a bank account or are facing issues, reach out to the department in charge of your benefit. For example, for Universal Credit questions, call the helpline at 0800 328 5644, Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm.
Missing a Payment? Here’s What to Do
If your benefit does not arrive on the expected date:
- Check your payment schedule or award letter.
- Look over your bank account — the payment may appear under a different reference.
- Contact the helpline. But avoid calling on holidays, as most offices will be closed.
It helps to have your National Insurance number ready when you speak to a support agent.
Returning Overpaid or Unneeded Benefits
Sometimes, you might get a payment you no longer need or were not supposed to receive. In that case, you can return the money:
- Write to the office that issued the payment.
- Include your National Insurance number and payment details.
- Send a cheque made out to the right department.
This is especially important for benefits like Child Benefit, where overpayments are more common.