**DWP Urges Universal Credit Claimants to Check Bank Accounts Ahead of Early Payment Dates**
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging millions of Universal Credit recipients, as well as other benefit claimants, to pay close attention to their bank accounts this week due to an important alteration in payment schedules. This change, driven by the upcoming bank holidays in May, could see payments arriving earlier than usual for many.
Typically, Universal Credit and other benefits such as Child Benefit, Attendance Allowance, and Carer’s Allowance are paid on the same recurring date each month. However, when a scheduled payment date falls on a bank holiday, claimants are instead paid on the last working day before that holiday. This month, the first bank holiday falls on Monday, 5 May, meaning that affected payments will be issued on Friday, 2 May.
This adjustment applies not only to recipients of Universal Credit, but also to those receiving payments from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), such as Child Benefit, and tax credits. By shifting the payment date, the DWP aims to ensure that claimants receive their funds without interruption, despite the national closures of banking systems on public holidays.
A second bank holiday is also scheduled for later in the month, on Monday, 26 May. Payments due on this date will instead be made on Friday, 23 May. Such changes underline the importance of claimants staying informed and being proactive with their financial planning, as the early receipt of benefits means a longer wait for the subsequent payment.
It is important to note that while the date of receipt will change, the amounts paid will not. Claimants are assured that the funds—whether Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Disability Living Allowance—will remain consistent and will be deposited into their usual bank accounts as normal. The primary consideration is that recipients should budget carefully to account for the extended period between payments, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.
If expected benefit payments do not appear in accounts as anticipated, the DWP recommends contacting their helpline at 0800 328 5644 for guidance. However, it is worth noting that the helpline does not operate on bank holidays, so anyone needing support should try to reach out on the working day before or immediately after the holiday.
The DWP has also published a comprehensive list of standard payment frequencies to help people keep track. For example, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance are usually paid every two weeks, whereas State Pension, Attendance Allowance, and Carer’s Allowance are typically disbursed every four weeks. Universal Credit payments, in particular, are made monthly.
With the bank holidays for England and Wales announced for 2025—including New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, both May holidays, the August bank holiday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day—it is advisable for benefit claimants to make note of when holidays are likely to impact their payments throughout the year.
In the broader context, such payment rescheduling is standard practice for the DWP, but serves as a timely reminder for many households to budget and plan accordingly. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to challenge families across the UK, staying informed about financial changes is more critical than ever.
For further money-saving advice and tips on financial management, benefit recipients are encouraged to sign up for newsletters or reach out to local support services. Ultimately, the aim of the DWP’s notice is not just to inform, but to ensure that nobody is caught off guard by changes in their benefit payment schedules.
If you or someone you know relies on Universal Credit or other DWP/HMRC benefits, checking your bank account this Friday—and planning for the rest of the month—could help prevent unnecessary financial strain.