Universal Credit, State Pensions, Child Benefit, PIP and other benefits may be affected by changes due to the Spring bank holidays next week.
Monday May 26 is the second bank holiday in May, where payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) won't be made. If you are due to receive a DWP benefit payment, you may find you receive it early.
While this may be positive for some claimants, others may find it harder to budget, with longer until their next payment is due.
Payments due on Monday 26 May will usually be made on Friday 23 May.
If your payment is due on a different day, it will arrive in your account as normal and the amount you are due to be paid will remain the same.
These are the benefits that may be affected by the two May bank holiday weekends:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State pension
- Tax Credits
- Universal Credit
While you may be paid earlier in some cases, the money will also have to last you longer, as payment dates will return to normal afterwards.
Recommended reading:
- HMRC home working expenses you can claim back now - and for the last four years
- Who can get an increased HMRC personal tax allowance, and how to apply
- DWP state pensions underpaid by £800 million - check your payments
Fiona Peake, Personal Finance Expert at Ocean Finance, says: “Getting your money on Friday instead of the Monday might feel like a win going into the long weekend, but it means you'll have three extra days to stretch it.
"That can throw your budget out, especially if you’re living week to week. It’s not always easy to hold back spending when your account's just been topped up but blowing through your benefit early could leave you short when it really matters.
“Most benefits hit accounts in the early hours, but if yours hasn’t arrived by midday Friday, check your bank again before panicking. If nothing shows up, get on the phone. Don’t wait until after the bank holiday when lines will be jammed. Contact Universal Credit, PIP or your relevant benefits line before 5pm Friday so there’s still time to get help.
“Some people get caught out by thinking they’ll always get their benefits early around a bank holiday. That’s not the case. If your next due date falls on a normal working day, your payment will be back to its usual timing and if you’ve spent early, you might already be playing catch-up.”
Five easy ways to make your money last over the bank holiday
- Freeze your card on payday: “Sounds extreme, but if you’ve got a habit of splurging as soon as money lands, hit pause," says Fiona. "Most banking apps let you freeze your debit card instantly. It gives you a cooling-off period before impulse buys.”
- Treat Friday like Monday: “Don’t think of the early payment as a bonus. It’s not. Treat Friday 23 May like it’s your usual payday and plan your week as normal.”
- Check your direct debits: “The early payment might not line up with when your bills go out, and that can leave you short just as rent or utilities come calling. Log into your bank now and check your direct debit dates. Shifting them by a few days can help you avoid missed payments and overdraft charges.”
- Stock up on cupboard staples: “If you’ve got a bit of wiggle room, grab extra essentials like pasta, rice, and tinned goods. That way, if money’s tight in the last few days before your next payment, you’ve got back-up.”
- Use the ‘spare change’ trick: “Round up every spend to the nearest pound and stash the difference using an app or savings pot. It might only be a few quid, but it adds up fast and it’s perfect for emergencies.”
How about other bank holidays in 2025?
These are the bank holidays in 2025, and the expected payment dates.
Public holidays in Scotland and Northern Ireland
Your payment might be delayed if the bank is closed for a public holiday on the day HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) pays you.
Local holidays in Scotland
Your payment might be delayed because of local holidays if you live in the following places:
- Glasgow - local holiday on 29 September
- Edinburgh - local holiday on 15 September
- Dundee - local holiday on 6 October
Check with your bank for the date you’ll get your payment.
