With the May bank holidays now upon us, millions of UK residents receiving benefits or pensions may be wondering when to expect their payments. Bank holidays can impact regular disbursement dates, causing early or adjusted payments for many claimants. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued guidance for how these public holidays will affect benefit and pension payments in May 2025.
Here’s what you need to know about payment dates, who is affected, and how to plan accordingly.
When Are the May Bank Holidays?
In the United Kingdom, there are typically two bank holidays in May:
- Early May Bank Holiday – Monday, May 5, 2025
- Spring Bank Holiday – Monday, May 26, 2025
These holidays affect the operations of banks and public offices, including those responsible for disbursing state benefits and pensions.
Which Benefits and Payments Are Affected?
The following payments may be impacted by the May bank holidays:
- State Pension
- Universal Credit
- Child Benefit
- Tax Credits
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Carer’s Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Adjusted Payment Dates
When a benefit or pension payment is due on a bank holiday, the Department for Work and Pensions typically issues the payment on the last working day before the holiday.
Here’s what that looks like in May 2025:
- If your payment is due on Monday, May 5, you should receive it on Friday, May 2
- If your payment is due on Monday, May 26, you should receive it on Friday, May 23
This applies to all DWP and HMRC-administered payments, including tax credits and child benefits.
No Change If Payment Date Is Not Affected
If your regular payment date does not fall on a bank holiday, there will be no change—you’ll receive your payment as normal.
Universal Credit is usually unaffected by bank holidays unless your usual payment day happens to fall exactly on a public holiday. In those cases, the early payment rule still applies.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Late
If your payment does not arrive by the adjusted date, it’s advised to wait until after the bank holiday before contacting the DWP or HMRC. Delays are rare, but they can occasionally occur due to bank processing schedules.
You can contact the DWP through its helplines or online service if the payment is not received by the next working day.
To avoid issues, ensure that your bank account details are up to date and that you’ve notified the relevant authorities of any changes in circumstances.
Planning Ahead
Since May contains two bank holidays, it’s a good idea to budget accordingly. Early payments may feel like a bonus initially, but remember that your next payment will follow the usual schedule, which could create a longer gap between disbursements.
Those relying on regular benefits to manage essential expenses such as rent, utilities, or food should take extra care during this period.
Official Sources and Support
For the most up-to-date information on benefits and payment schedules, you can refer to the following government websites:
- Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – Offers information about all DWP benefits and services
- GOV.UK – Provides details on payment dates, benefit eligibility, and contact information
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) – Responsible for tax credits and child benefits
These websites provide live updates, contact forms, and tools to manage your benefits, such as checking payment histories or updating bank account details.
Key Tips for May 2025:
- Mark the bank holiday dates on your calendar: May 5 and May 26
- Expect early payments on May 2 and May 23 if your normal payment falls on either holiday
- Budget to stretch payments across longer periods if necessary
- Contact DWP or HMRC only if the payment hasn’t arrived by the next working day after the holiday
- Use your online account to verify payment status or update information
Conclusion
May’s bank holidays are a welcome break for many, but they can also disrupt routine financial schedules for those relying on state support. Being aware of the changes to payment dates and planning ahead can help avoid confusion or shortfalls.