Government agencies are telling people who have filed claims to check their payment dates so they aren’t surprised by early deposits over long weekends.
A DWP spokesperson said, “We always move payments forward when a bank holiday falls on the usual day so people get their money on time.”
Payments for April 2026 moved up for Easter.
Payments that are due on April 6, 2026, such as pensions, Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Child Benefit, and other DWP support, will instead be sent on April 2, 2026.
HMRC and DWP say that banks are closed on bank holidays, so payments are made earlier to make sure that claimants still have access to their money.
Holidays in May and the spring
This spring, there are also other early payments:
- 4 May → 1 May (bank holiday in early May)
- 22 May (spring bank holiday) to 25 May
This has an effect on people who get regular payments like pensions, Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Child Benefit, and others.
Changes in the summer and fall
Later in 2026, depending on where you are, more changes will happen:
- 3 August to 4 August (only in Scotland)
- 4 August to 5 August (Scotland only)
- 31 August → 28 August (all of the UK)
- 28 December → 24 December 29 December → 30 December (only in Northern Ireland)
Regional public holidays in Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee) and Northern Ireland can also change when payments are due.
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Why the DWP changes payments
The DWP and HMRC change their schedules to make sure that:
- People who file claims get their money before the bank closes.
- There is no gap in important help.
- Payments come on time, even on long weekends.
But claimants should keep in mind that after early payments, the next payment will be made on time, which could mean a longer wait between payments.
How to check your payment
Check your bank statement; payments usually show up with notes like “DWP Pension” or “HMRC Child Benefit.”
People who get Universal Credit should check their online account for the exact dates of their payments.
If a payment seems late, first check with your bank. If that doesn’t help, call the DWP or HMRC.
