The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced significant changes to benefit payments in May 2025, affecting millions of individuals receiving Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), State Pension, and other key benefits. These adjustments are due to the Early May Bank Holiday (May 5) and the Spring Bank Holiday (May 26), which will shift payment dates for many claimants.
Following the Easter bank holiday payment disruptions, where benefits were paid up to four days early, May brings further alterations—some claimants will receive their money earlier, while others will see the full impact of the April 2025 benefit uprating.
This guide covers everything you need to know about when and how your payments will change, ensuring you stay informed and financially prepared.
Key Payment Changes in May 2025
1. Early May Bank Holiday (May 5) – Payment Adjustments
The Early May Bank Holiday (May Day) falls on Monday, May 5, 2025. As a result, any benefits due on this date will be paid early on Friday, May 2, 2025.
Affected Benefits Include:
- Universal Credit (for those with a usual payment date of the 5th of each month)
- Income Support (fortnightly payments due on May 5)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) (fortnightly payments due on May 5)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) (fortnightly payments due on May 5)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (four-weekly payments due on May 5)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Pension Credit
- State Pension
- Child Benefit
April Uprating Takes Full Effect
From May 2, claimants receiving four-weekly payments in arrears will see the full impact of the April 2025 benefit increase. This includes:
- Disability benefits (PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Benefit
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
Since May 5 is a bank holiday, the increased amounts will be deposited on May 2 instead.
2. Universal Credit Increase – Effective from May 13
Unlike other benefits, Universal Credit follows a different payment schedule. The April 2025 uprating applies from Monday, April 7, 2025, meaning:
- The first claimants to see the increase will be those with an assessment period from April 7 to May 6.
- Their updated payment will arrive seven days later on May 13.
- Other claimants will see the increase in late May or June, depending on their assessment period.
How Universal Credit Payments Work
- Paid monthly in arrears based on your initial claim date.
- Includes a 7-day processing period after the assessment period.
- Adjustments consider earnings, savings, overpayments, debts, and overlapping benefits.
3. Spring Bank Holiday (May 26) – Early Payments
The Late May Bank Holiday (Spring Bank Holiday) is on Monday, May 26, 2025. Any benefits due on this date will be paid early on Friday, May 23, 2025.
Affected Benefits Include:
- Universal Credit (if your usual payment date is May 26)
- Income Support, JSA, ESA (fortnightly payments due on May 26)
- PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Pension Credit, State Pension, Child Benefit (four-weekly payments due on May 26)
What Should Claimants Do?
- Check Your Payment Date – If your usual payment date falls on May 5 or May 26, expect early payments on May 2 and May 23 respectively.
- Budget Accordingly – Early payments mean a longer gap until your next payment. Plan your finances to avoid shortfalls.
- Look Out for Uprating Increases – If you receive PIP, State Pension, or other four-weekly benefits, your payment on May 2 will reflect the April uprating.
- Universal Credit Claimants – The increase applies from May 13 (for those with an April 7-May 6 assessment period). Others will see changes later.
Why Are These Changes Happening?
The UK government adjusts benefit payment dates when they fall on bank holidays to ensure claimants receive funds without delays. The April uprating is an annual increase to keep benefits in line with inflation, ensuring financial support remains adequate.
Conclusion
Millions of benefit claimants will experience payment date shifts and amount increases in May 2025 due to bank holidays and the annual uprating. Key dates to remember:
- May 2 – Early payments for benefits normally due on May 5.
- May 13 – First Universal Credit payments with the April uprating.
- May 23 – Early payments for benefits normally due on May 26.
Stay informed, adjust your budget, and ensure you’re prepared for these changes to avoid financial disruption.
For the latest updates, visit the GOV.UK benefits page or contact the DWP helpline.
FAQs
Q: Will my benefit payment be less if it’s paid early?
A: No, the amount remains the same—only the payment date changes.
Q: When will I see the April 2025 uprating in my payments?
A: For most benefits, from May 2. For Universal Credit, from May 13 (depending on your assessment period).
Q: What if my payment doesn’t arrive on the expected date?
A: Contact the DWP or check your bank account for pending transactions before reporting a missing payment.